We all know that a bad night’s sleep can make us moody, anxious or just not ourselves the next day. But what many people don’t realise is how deeply sleep and mental health are linked. In fact, search trends in South Africa show that interest in “sleep and mental health” has grown by more than 170% in the last year. It’s clear that people are starting to pay attention to how rest affects the way we think, feel, and function.
The link between sleep and mental health
When we sleep, our brains go through important recovery processes. This includes clearing out toxins, consolidating memories and regulating mood. Without enough rest, stress levels rise and mental resilience drops. Studies show that sleep deprivation can worsen conditions like anxiety and depression, while quality sleep can help balance hormones and improve emotional stability.
In Sloom’s own Sleep Survey, South Africans reported that poor-quality sleep is one of the biggest contributors to stress and lower productivity. It proves what many of us already feel - when you rest better, you really are a better version of yourself.
How to improve both sleep and mental health
The good news is that improving sleep can often improve mental health at the same time. Some practical steps include:
- Creating a bedtime routine: winding down without screens and dimming the lights signals to your body that it’s time to rest.
- Keeping consistent sleep hours: going to bed and waking up at the same time every day supports your body’s natural rhythms.
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Making your bedroom sleep-friendly: dark curtains, a cooler temperature and a supportive mattress can transform your rest.
Investing in the right sleep setup is key. The Sloom Original Mattress is South Africa’s first comfort-adjustable mattress, designed to support spinal alignment and reduce pressure points. With three different comfort settings in one, you can adjust your mattress as your needs change - so you never have to compromise on your sleep or your wellbeing.
Better rest, better you
Your mental health is too important to leave to chance. By giving sleep the priority it deserves, you’re also protecting your mood, focus and long-term wellbeing. Sloom believes that when you sleep better, you live better - and that’s why we’ve made it easier to get the rest you deserve.