Introduction
One of the existing and especially problematic issues in modern society is the biopsychosocial dependence on sleep, its health, and the volume of mental health. The relationship between the biological process of brain rest and the mental state is evident in its presence but dynamic and complex in the research context. Such a relationship can be considered bi-directional: mental health problems have the potential to impair sleep, and disturbances in rest patterns with a drop in or decrease in sleep quality lead to mental health disorders. In the latter case, many methods and strategies can be used to correct the situation and normalize sleep quality. Thus, establishing healthy sleep habits and balancing this biological process can reduce or stop the progression of mental disorders.
Main Concepts
The central concept in the context of understanding the concepts involved in the question of consideration is the reciprocal nature of the connection. It is conditioned by the existing evidence that apnea, insomnia, and nightmares contribute to the development of depression and anxiety, which are mental problems (Freeman et al., 2020). Inversely, this principle works just as well: extrinsic factors that trigger the same anxiety or depression often provoke sleep disturbances (Fusco et al., 2021). This relationship underscores the general importance of a comprehensive search for solutions to genetic problems because only one mutually reinforcing factor is weakly effective.
Possible Prevention Methods
One control and prevention method could be introducing healthy sleep programs in the workplace. Despite their low prevalence in the current context of globalization and the search for maximum efficiency, they can contribute to the normalization of the schedule and positively affect the individual in the long term (Scott & Woods, 2019). These programs promote healthy sleep habits by reducing exposure to blue light and supporting avoiding alcohol and caffeine. Moreover, such tactics include a relatively constant schedule and help to reduce work stress levels and increase psychological well-being.
An additional method of prevention is cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia, which is a subdivision of the one-name psychological practice. In this case, the methods focus on normalizing the body’s resting processes and eliminating potential interferences with it (Fusco et al., 2021). Such a method can help improve a person’s mental state and health by correcting sleep habits by implementing schedules or reducing time in bed without sleep.
The latter method is an innovative method of affecting the individual. It involves taking a horizontal position not only on a schedule but also when inevitable nervous system fatigue is reached (Freeman et al., 2020). It can be helpful for the difficult period of recovery after the pandemic stress for different categories of people (Puteikis et al., 2022). Such therapy, among other things, focuses on changing negative thinking patterns to get rid of fundamental psychological problems. This approach helps to level out the influence of internal thought factors on the sleep process based on distraction or detailed analysis and resolution of troubling problems.
Public Health
Undoubtedly, developing public health campaigns is one possible approach to awareness and the first step in correcting the problem. Promoting a healthy lifestyle, including healthy sleep, and not stigmatizing people who have problems with it can have a significant impact on society. Parallel to this impact, the attitudes of each member of society may shift toward an improved situation, the final state being the elimination of any sleep problems that provoke mental disorders.
Campaign development can include encouraging citizens to give the highest level of attention to sleep as a key element in maintaining overall health and well-being (Scott & Woods, 2019). Such public service announcements can provide strategies and tips for developing healthy sleep habits that can be universal and accessible to virtually every average citizen. Particular attention should be paid to organizational influence and legislative pressure through the political system.
Most companies are primarily interested in increasing their profits and growth rates, and their employees’ physical or mental health does not play a significant role in universal replaceability. For this reason, a solely social campaign is not enough, and it must be supported by legislation further tightening the standards of behavior of employers. In today’s digitalization and constant innovation, controls on how companies treat employees must be updated at a rate proportional to expansion.
Possible Ad Campaign
A general-purpose ad campaign can include any element that affirms a person’s right to rest. It is generally accepted that most people like to sleep, and even when the quality of sleep is reduced, they pay a significant portion of their attention to the importance of the process in daily life (Alonzo et al., 2021). One such approach is to emphasize the importance of a supportive environment.
Information and inexpensive technological devices to track the ideal temperature of the sleep environment, selection of comfortable bedding and mattress, and assessment of noise and light pollution levels are related and should be published. Undoubtedly, manufacturers of such paraphernalia and accessories run similar campaigns, but on a social level and with government funding, there is little action to promote the importance of healthy rest for mental health.
Moreover, few people understand the need to install relaxing or asocial modes of their devices before bedtime to normalize the process and reduce dependence on the digital environment. Examples of such actions include several potential social campaigns. People can talk in a video about their healthy sleep and its positive impact on their physical and mental health.
Another option, a social network, might encourage users to share photos of sleeping interiors to find the coziest and most suitable one for relaxation. In addition, social media influencers can share their own experiences, or well-known figures in the health field can create short posts on sleep normalization tips (Scott & Woods, 2019). Advertising campaigns on radio or television for older users can also be effective by providing strategies for improving sleep quality and communicating the usefulness of sleep in reducing mental problems.
Conclusion
Thus, it is possible to highlight the relationship between healthy sleep and a person’s mental state. This relationship is multifaceted and complex but allows for correction and allows almost any person to positively influence the normalization of the situation. By focusing on prevention methods, steps can be taken toward improving the quality of sleep and reducing the risk and progression of mental health problems. With a holistic approach that includes social campaigns, legislation, and public awareness, people’s ability to achieve optimal levels of well-being and health is increased.
References
Alonzo, R., Hussain, J., Stranges, S., & Anderson, K. K. (2021). The interplay between social media use, sleep quality, and mental health in youth: A systematic review. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 56(101414). Web.
Freeman, D., Sheaves, B., Waite, F., Harvey, A. G., & Harrison, P. J. (2020). Sleep disturbance and psychiatric disorders. The Lancet. Psychiatry, 7(7), 628–637. Web.
Fusco, R. A., Yuan, Y., Lee, H., & Newhill, C. E. (2021). Trauma, sleep and mental health problems in low-income young adults. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(3), 1145. Web.
Puteikis, K., Mameniškytė, A., & Mameniškienė, R. (2022). Sleep quality, mental health and learning among high school students after reopening schools during the COVID-19 pandemic: Results of a cross-sectional online survey. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(5), 2553. Web.
Scott, H., & Woods, H. C. (2019). Understanding links between social media use, sleep, and mental health: Recent progress and current challenges. Current Sleep Medicine Reports, 5(3), 141–149. Web.