The Sleep-Mental Health Connection

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This chapter explores the pervasive issue of insomnia and its critical role as both a symptom and risk factor for mental health disorders. It draws connections between poor sleep, neurotransmitter regulation, and emotional reactivity while emphasizing the need for effective insomnia treatment in improving mental health outcomes. Personal anecdotes and expert insights highlight the normalization of sleep deprivation in society and its implications for overall well-being.

When you think about pillars of health a few things might come to mind — nutrition, exercise, connectedness. But there's something many of us miss off that list — sleep.

Insomnia does so much more than make us cranky, it's closely tied to our mental health. Not just how we feel on a day to day basis, but our likelihood of developing depression.

This week, what happens when you don't get enough sleep; the effect on your brain and why it's so impactful on your mental health.

If you'd like to learn more about sleep, check out the science team's Sleeptember content.

This episode touches on the topic of suicide. Please take care while listening. If you need support, you can reach Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.