SLEEP AND MENTAL HEALTH: UNDERSTANDING THE CLINICAL CONNECTION

Abstract

Sleep is a fundamental biological process essential for physical restoration, cognitive functioning, and emotional regulation. Disturbances in sleep duration, quality, or timing can lead to a variety of sleep disorders that significantly affect mental health and overall well-being. This chapter provides an overview of the physiological mechanisms of normal sleep, including the roles of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, as well as the influence of circadian rhythms and homeostatic processes in regulating sleep–wake cycles. Major categories of sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep-related breathing disorders, hypersomnolence disorders, circadian rhythm sleep–wake disorders, parasomnias, and sleep-related movement disorders are discussed. There is a bidirectional relationship between sleep disturbances and mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and schizophrenia. Methods of assessment and diagnosis includes clinical evaluation, polysomnography, and psychological assessment tools. Most common evidence-based management strategies are sleep hygiene practices, cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia, pharmacological treatments, and multidisciplinary care. Sleep disturbances significantly affect overall quality of life; therefore, early identification, increased public awareness, and ongoing research are essential to enhance prevention strategies and improve treatment outcomes.