This Factor Linked to Better Mental Health

Get your eight hours of sleep each night. That's the usual message as here are many health benefits to those who get enough sleep.

However, sleep quality may actually be the most important factor contributing to good mental health, more than sleeping hours, physical activity, and diet, according to a new study of young adults from researchers at the University of Otago in New Zealand.

Disrupted sleep has been previously linked to poor mental health, which can be improved by eating a well-rounded diet, and short exercise. 

Lead author Shay-Ruby Wickham, from Otago Medical School, said: "Sleep, physical activity, and a healthy diet can be thought of as three pillars of health, which could contribute to promoting optimal well-being among young adults,".

The team noted that despite there is extensive research on mental health and wellbeing benefits of sleep, physical activity, and diet, research examining all three behaviors together is limited.

In the study, the researchers surveyed more than 1,100 participants aged between 18 and 25 years old to compare the big three health factors impacting mental well-being side-by-side.

The participants, living in the United States and New Zealand, completed the online survey between 2018 and 2019. They were asked about their mood and wellbeing, diet, exercise, and sleeping habits.

The study findings showed people who slept close to 10 hours per night reported fewer depressive symptoms, but those who slept for 8 hours or those who slept for 12 hours, reported more symptoms of depression. Eating moderate servings of raw fruit and veg each day also correlated with better mental balance.

The researchers suggest that young adults should prioritize getting good quality sleep, and stressed the importance of eating well, and exercising often since physical activity and diet are secondary, but still significant factors.

The research was published in Frontiers in Psychology.