Does Better Sleep Improve Mental Health? | Meta-Analysis Explained

Struggling with stress, anxiety, or low mood? Sleep might be the missing piece. In this episode, I break down a meta-analysis of more than 8,600 people that found improving sleep quality can directly boost mental health—reducing depression, anxiety, stress, rumination, and even psychosis symptoms. We’ll look at how different sleep interventions work, why the benefits are strongest with consistent follow-up, and what this means for mental wellbeing. If you’ve ever wondered whether better sleep could truly change your mind, this episode is for you.

Study Referenced: Scott AJ, Webb TL, Martyn-St James M, Rowse G, Weich S. Improving sleep quality leads to better mental health: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Sleep Med Rev. 2021 Dec;60:101556. doi: 10.1016/j.smrv.2021.101556. Epub 2021 Sep 23. PMID: 34607184; PMCID: PMC8651630.