Calm Links Sleep and Mental Health in New Study

For many people, bedtime is a nightmare.

What’s happening: A new report by sleep and meditation app Calm reveals that a good night’s sleep is proving elusive, and unhealthy behaviours are the norm.

By the numbers: Surveying 9.5K adults in the UK and US, the findings uncovered some shocking realities.

• 91% of respondents don’t feel rested.
• Despite 75% not wanting to be dependent on sleep aids, 42% can’t sleep without them.
• 55% turn to medication, cannabis or alcohol to drift off.

A mental note. Sleep debt negatively impacts cognitive function, with 78% acknowledging a link to mental health. Yet, despite knowing better, only one in three attain the recommended seven-plus hours for shuteye.

Dialling in. With 73% willing to explore new methods for falling asleep, Calm’s new 24/7 sleep hotline (available in the UK and US) could be music to their ears, offering a menu of soothing sounds, bedtime stories and breathing exercises.

Not the only novel idea, other European companies are also dreaming up natural sleep aids:

• Germany’s Endel and Universal Music Group created personalised soundscapes for optimised sleep.
• Smart ring maker Oura introduced a tool that syncs with the body’s circadian rhythm and partnered with Veri to show how food impacts sleep.
• Samsung teamed with Dutch DJs Mr. Belt & Wezol and sleep scientist Dr Els van der Helm to create a “sleep rave” soundtrack so young people can nod off faster.

Takeaway: Sleep is essential to overall health, but it’s only one piece of the well-being puzzle – which means prioritising physical activity, proper nutrition and stress management throughout the day will pay dividends at bedtime.