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Sleep is a well-known contributing factor to a person's mental well-being. This is why experts continuously advise maintaining a healthy sleep pattern.

In a recent international review, researchers focused on the relationship between sleep, circadian rhythms, and mental health, proposing holistic treatment avenues. Senior author Dr. Sarah L. Chellappa emphasized that sleep-circadian disruptions are prevalent across psychiatric disorders, but there needs to be a better understanding of circadian disturbances.

The international research team investigated recent evidence, focusing on adolescents and young adults, a demographic susceptible to mental health challenges and disruptions in sleep and circadian rhythms.

Insomnia, mood disorders, and bipolar disorder

Insomnia is common among individuals with mental health disorders, particularly during acute episodes and early psychosis, with significant overlap observed in mood disorders. A lot of bipolar patients experience delayed sleep-wake phase disorder, with notable deviations in body clock processes during manic and depressive episodes. The researchers believe that physiological changes during adolescence and altered sleep patterns are contributing factors.

Intervention strategies and other forms of treatment

Insights into genetic, environmental, and neuroplasticity factors can help create personalized interventions tailored to individual circadian parameters. The researchers highlighted the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia or CBT-I in reducing anxiety, depression and trauma symptoms, and that of light therapy in treating unipolar and bipolar depression.

Multicomponent interventions like transdiagnostic intervention for sleep and circadian dysfunction or Trans-C offer a comprehensive approach to addressing sleep and circadian issues across various mental health disorders. The researchers emphasized leveraging advancements in sleep and circadian science to enhance the collective understanding and treatment of psychiatric disorders.