18/03/2026
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.
