Sleep and mental health are closely related. Poor sleep can affect your mental health but also, living with poor mental health can affect your sleep. Sleep is often that first thing that suffers when we’re struggling.
There is no correct amount of sleep that everyone must have. Sleep is a natural process that is not directly under our control. There are no quick solutions to sleep problems.
For good mental health we should try and sleep well. Good sleep is for everyone and everyone should be able to thrive through healthy sleep.
‘Get more from your sleep’ is one of the Mental Health Foundation’s best mental health tips backed by research.
Signposts for 'Sleep Well' - local support and opportunities
Wellbeing Service – NHS Borders
Provides people aged 16+ with support to make positive changes to their lifestyle. Referrals can be made via your GP or health professional, or you can refer yourself.
Tel: 01896 824502 or email: wellbeing@borders.scot.nhs.uk
Edinburgh based charity (formerly Sleep Scotland). Leading provider of sleep support, training and resources. Trained sleep counsellors support children, young people and their families to have healthy sleep. A range of training provided. Scottish Sleep Support Line: 1-1 sleep support for families with children aged 18 months –18 years.
This YouTube mini series of sleep videos has been created by the NHS Borders Children and Young People’s Occupational Therapy Service. Learn more about why good quality sleep is important and some strategies that can help to improve your child’s sleep hygiene.
Useful websites and apps
NHS Inform - Sleep problems and insomnia self-help guide
Sleepio App - Digital sleep improvement programme. Sign up via NHS Inform
Feeling Good App - Positive mental training audio programmes (For password, email health.improvement@borders.scot.nhs.uk)
Sleep and mental health - Advice from the Mental Health Foundation
Menopause information - Difficulty sleeping is one of the common symptoms of menopause. Find out more about the menopause and how to manage symptoms at NHS Inform.
