Leeds Student Medical Practice

17/03/2026

13/03/2026

Today is World Sleep Day.

Many of us struggle with sleep, and that can have a huge impact on our mental health. Similarly, mental health problems can have a huge impact on our sleeping. Here we look at the cycle of sleep and mental health, and provide tips on how to get a good night’s kip.

Poor sleep can affect your mental health in a number of ways. It may make you more likely to:

Experience anxiety and depression.

Be impacted by symptoms of existing mental health problems, such as mania, psychosis or paranoia.

Feel lonely or isolated – for example, if you don't have the energy to see people, or they don't seem to understand what you're going through.

Struggle to concentrate, or make plans and decisions.

Feel irritable or not have energy to do things.

Have problems with day to day life – for example, at work or with family and friends.

Be more affected by physical health problems.

If you experience sleep problems, here are some things you can try. Only try what you feel comfortable with, and don't put too much pressure on yourself.

Try to establish a routine. For example, going to bed and waking up at around the same time every day.

Find ways to relax, such as breathing exercises and meditation.

Fill in a sleep diary. Keeping track of what time you go to bed and what time you wake up may be helpful.

Make your sleeping area more comfortable. Try different bedding, light and noise levels.

Think about how screens and device settings may be impacting your sleep. Maybe reduce the brightness and try to stop using near bedtime.

If you’d like more guidance, you can check out our sleep and mental health page.

And if you're finding that sleep problems are having a big impact on your life, you might want to speak to your GP. They may be able to offer treatments for your sleeping problems such as talking therapies, medication or referral to a sleep clinic.

12/03/2026

12/03/2026

It’s !

There are 2.9 million students, but at least 1 in 3 students has felt or feels lonely. This University Mental Health Day, let's work together to make sure this changes.

Today’s theme is all about Human Connection. Strong relationships and a sense of belonging are vital to our mental health. Connections help support us through difficult times and make good times even brighter.

Together, we can create, build and support communities. Let's get the nation talking about university mental health: https://bit.ly/4p0sxE4

11/03/2026

Today is No Smoking Day and this year’s theme is “A smoke-free life starts with a smoke-free day”
Visit the Better Health Quit Smoking website: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/

24/02/2026

Beat

24/02/2026

It’s Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2026 and this year’s theme is Community.
Find out more at: https://edaw.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/
Beat

09/02/2026

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗜𝗩 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸!🎉
This week, free and confidential HIV testing is taking place across multiple venues in Leeds brought to you by Leeds Sexual Health (LSH) and MESMAC.
Whether you prefer a drop‑in session or a booked appointment, there’s a location and time that works just for you.
Here’s what’s happening this week:
📅 Tuesday 10 February
👉🏻Chapeltown bloods & screening drop‑in (LSH): 10am – 1pm
👉🏻Steam Sauna (men only): 11am – 1pm
👉🏻 testing (booked appointments): 3pm – 7pm
👉🏻Drop‑in at Marsden House: 3pm – 5pm

📅 Wednesday 11 February
👉🏻PAFRAS: 9am – 12pm
👉🏻Leeds Beckett Student Union (drop‑in): 11am – 3pm
👉🏻Arena Village Student Accommodation: 3pm – 5pm

📅 Thursday 12 February
👉🏻Beeston Hill bloods & screening drop‑in (LSH): 10am – 1pm
👉🏻Biphoria Steam Complex: 11am – 1pm
👉🏻Leeds Carnegie Student Village: 3pm – 5pm
👉🏻Viaduct Show Bar: 6pm – late

📅 Friday 13 February
👉🏻Leeds Market Testing: 11am – 3pm

Why get tested?
👉🏻Testing is easy, free, quick, and 100% confidential.
👉🏻Early detection saves lives.
👉🏻Knowing your status empowers you.

Find a testing venue near you, a comfortable time and drop in to get tested this week!
For more information 👇🏻
https://leedssexualhealth.com/hiv-testing-week-2026/

05/02/2026

Just leaving this here if you need it 🩵 Today is , get involved and share this post to remind others that it's okay to reach out for help 💭