20-03-2025
Fewer than one in five people in Suffolk getting enough sleep
Fewer than one in five people in Suffolk got enough sleep last year, according to a mental health charity.
Suffolk Mind's research revealed that only 19.7 per cent of residents felt they had a healthy amount of sleep in 2024, a significant drop from 36.7 per cent the previous year.
Sleep is one of the 12 physical and emotional needs of every person, with the average adult requiring around eight hours a night to allow their bodies to repair and reduce cortisol levels.
A lack of sleep can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and low mood, potentially resulting in depression if left untreated.
Ezra Hewing, head of mental health education at Suffolk Mind, said: "We all have physical and emotional needs, which when met help us stay at the wellbeing side of the mental health continuum.
"All of our needs are important – but sleep is especially important to both our physical and mental health."
The data was gathered through Suffolk Mind's Emotional Needs Survey, an ongoing online platform where individuals can assess and report on their mental well-being.
A total of 2,487 people participated in the survey, with 442 identifying their biggest obstacles to sleep.
Nearly 65 per cent of respondents identified their physical or mental health as their primary barrier, while others pointed to factors such as relationships (28.7 per cent), work situation (24 per cent), and financial situation (23 per cent).
Mr Hewing suggested establishing a bedtime routine free from distractions as a good step towards a healthy sleep pattern.
He said: "With everything from the cost-of-living crisis to worrying about politics in the news, it is understandable that more people might find it harder to get a good night's sleep.
"But small steps can make a big difference."
