New research reveals a not-so-sleepy Suffolk

Why it matters: Sleep is one of the 12 essential physical and emotional needs identified by mental health experts, with the average adult requiring about eight hours nightly to allow their bodies to repair and reduce cortisol levels.

The big picture: Failure to get enough sleep can lead to increased stress, anxiety and low mood, which if untreated could develop into depression.

By the numbers:

• Just 19.7% of Suffolk residents reported getting a healthy amount of sleep in 2024
• This represents a significant drop from 36.7% in 2023
• 2,487 people responded to Suffolk Mind's Emotional Needs Survey
• 442 respondents detailed their biggest barriers to sleep

What they're saying: "All of our needs are important – but sleep is especially important to both our physical and mental health," said Ezra Hewing, Head of Mental Health Education at Suffolk Mind.

"We need deep sleep to repair our body's cells, while our brains need REM sleep, when we dream, to switch off emotions we have been unable to act upon."

The details: Almost 65% of respondents cited physical or mental health as their main barrier to sleep, with others including:

• Relationship concerns (28.7%)
• Work situation (24%)
• Financial worries (23%)

For context: The data was collected via Suffolk Mind's Emotional Needs Survey, an ongoing online portal where people can check-in and report on their mental health.

What's next: Hewing recommends establishing a distraction-free bedtime routine to help get a healthy sleep pattern back on track.

"That includes establishing a distraction-free sleeping environment, taking away the temptation to doomscroll on your phone or even just to watch TV," he said.

The bottom line: "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," Hewing added. "Overall however, it's so important to ensure you focus on meeting other physical and emotional needs in healthy ways, which will give you the best possible chance of getting more than just your forty winks."