The Psychological Foundations of Sleep and Its Role In Mental Health || Moses Salawu
Sleep, often described as a universal healer, plays a vital role in our mental health and emotional well-being. The role it plays is so crucial that it cannot be ignored. However, societal expectations, lifestyle choices, and cultural beliefs have significantly influenced how people perceive sleep and its importance. To truly understand the immense connection between sleep and mental health, we must explore this relationship from multiple perspectives, especially in the face of modern-day challenges.
The Role of Sleep in Emotional Well-Being
Have you ever noticed how a lack of adequate sleep can leave you feeling irritable, overwhelmed, or even emotionally fragile? That’s because sleep is the brain’s way of restoring balance. During deep sleep, our brain processes emotions, clears out toxins, and prepares us to face a new day with clarity and resilience. Without enough rest, we become more vulnerable to anxiety, depression, and poor emotional regulation.
Leading sleep expert Dr. Matthew Walker describes sleep as “your built-in system for emotional first aid.” For example, studies show that during REM sleep (the dream phase), the brain reprocesses emotional memories, helping us heal from stressful experiences. Sleep, quite literally, soothes our minds.
Fun Fact: Did you know that during sleep, the glymphatic system in your brain clears out toxic waste products, including beta-amyloid, which is associated with Alzheimer’s disease?
Cultural Perspectives: How the World Views Sleep
The way we perceive sleep varies widely across cultures. For instance, in Nigeria, sleep often takes a backseat, as many believe that sleeping too much is a sign of laziness or lack of ambition. This mindset, combined with economic pressures and motivational ideologies, has led many to adopt hectic schedules, leaving little time for rest.
Conversely, some European nations place greater emphasis on sleep as a means of boosting creativity and productivity. Countries like Spain and Italy have even institutionalized midday breaks, or siestas, to highlight the importance of rest for a healthy lifestyle.
In contrast, many Asian nations have fast-paced work cultures that prioritize long hours over rest. In Japan, for example, “inemuri” (or sleeping on the job) is viewed as a sign of dedication, even though it often reflects a lack of adequate sleep.
Different cultures also approach sleep difficulties in unique ways. In Africa, natural remedies like herbal teas or comforting conversations with loved ones are common. Asian countries often rely on meditation, acupuncture, or yoga to promote better sleep. Meanwhile, Europeans tend to use technology, such as sleep trackers and relaxation apps, or natural aids like lavender to enhance rest. Despite these differences, one thing remains universal: sleep is essential, and improving it should be a priority worldwide.
Fun Fact: Ancient Romans considered sleep so sacred that they built special sleeping chambers, called “cubiculum,” designed to block out noise and light completely.
The Social Media Dilemma
One of the global issues impacting sleep today is the widespread addiction to social media. Whether it’s scrolling through Instagram in Lagos, catching up on TikTok trends in Tokyo, or binge-watching YouTube videos in London, social media has become a universal barrier to healthy sleep.
The blue light emitted by screens delays the release of melatonin, the sleep-inducing hormone, and keeps the brain alert when it should be winding down. Moreover, the endless stream of content can overstimulate the mind, making it harder to relax.
Fun Fact: The average person spends about 7 hours a day looking at screens. Reducing screen time just an hour before bed can improve sleep quality by up to 30%.
The Need for Balance
The lack of adequate sleep is now a global problem that demands attention. However, forcing people to sleep more isn’t the solution. Instead, we need to educate people about the critical role sleep plays in their physical and mental health. Many mistakenly view long hours of sleep as laziness, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Sleep is a biological necessity, not a luxury.
By helping people distinguish between productive rest and wasted time, we can foster healthier sleep habits. Sleep hygiene practices—such as maintaining consistent sleep schedules, limiting caffeine intake, and creating a calming bedtime routine—are simple yet effective ways to encourage restorative sleep.
Fun Fact: Humans are the only species that willingly delay sleep, often at the expense of their health.
A Path Forward
Sleep isn’t just a personal responsibility—it’s a societal issue that should not be overlooked. As Dr. Samer Hattar points out, improving sleep involves synchronizing our daily routines with natural rhythms. Simple steps, such as reducing screen time, maintaining consistent schedules, and creating a calm sleeping environment, can significantly enhance mental health and overall well-being.
Whether you’re in Africa, Asia, or Europe, one thing remains constant: sleep is the foundation of a healthy, balanced life. By honoring this universal need, we can unlock a future where better sleep leads to better mental health, increased productivity, and greater happiness.
Fun Fact: Sleeping in complete darkness helps regulate your circadian rhythm, ensuring a more restorative rest. Even small amounts of light can disrupt the production of melatonin.
Salawu Oluwaseun Moses
For counselling Reflections
