SCOTS are being asked to take advantage of assistance to ensure adequate sleep amid warnings about the health impact of the cost of living crisis.
A study by the Mental Health Foundation last week found that 30% of adults in Scotland are experiencing poor quality sleep as the cost of living crisis in the UK has led to a surge in daily expenses.
The report also addresses the link between the cost of living crisis and the health of those affected, through both loss of disposable income and financial insecurity.
The reality of falling below the poverty line and falling behind in payments is increasing financial anxiety and causing sleep disturbances.
Citizens Advice Scotland estimates that 2.8 million people in Scotland are worried and anxious about the cost of living crisis. This represents her 51% of the total population.
Its financial spokesperson, Sarah Jayne Dunne, said:
“The risk this poses to the mental health of the nation is enormous.
“That is why Citizens Advice seeks to strengthen its partnerships with health services so that people can get financial and financial advice from health care providers.”
Dunn urged people worried about their finances to seek advice as soon as possible. she said:
“Because of this fear of the unknown, stress and anxiety build up. It is right to seek advice as soon as possible rather than sticking your head in the sand or shoving your bills in your drawer.
“In the past, we’ve seen clients who seek advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau find that their stress and mental health improved because they knew the facts they needed to take the next step. That’s it.”
The Mental Health Foundation is now seeking government action in response to its report, suggesting that the “potentially devastating” impact on mental health cannot be ignored.
“The most important actions to support good public mental health are financial assistance programs that prevent people from experiencing poverty and economic stress.”
Amid concerns over the cost of living crisis, Dr. Leanne Fleming, director of sleep research at the University of Strathclyde, warned that sleep is critical to overall health.
she said: “Prioritizing and protecting sleep is very important, especially during times of heightened stress, so watch your diet, cut back on caffeine and other stimulants, and get plenty of physical activity during the day. It helps to ensure
“Nevertheless, if you’re still having trouble sleeping, it’s worth talking to your GP about interventions to improve your sleep based on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), an evidence-based treatment. There are also great digital CBT programs that you can access for sleep support at home.”
NHS research shows that long-term sleep deprivation increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, depression, Alzheimer’s disease and obesity. Lack of sleep can also trigger mania, paranoia, and poor concentration.
Mental Health Foundation report titled The Mental Health and Cost of Living Crisis: Is Another Pandemic Underway? It came the same week the charity announced a training program to promote healthy sleep.
Sleep Scotland has launched a course designed to promote quality sleep in adults with complex needs.
Sleep Counseling for Adults is an initiative aimed at helping participants develop a comprehensive understanding of the physiology of sleep, the application of cognitive and behavioral principles, and the types of sleep problems they may encounter.
Dr Richmond Davies, Head of Health, Welfare and Social Care at Public Health Scotland said:
“The link between sleep and mental health is well documented, and good sleep patterns are essential for maintaining mental health.”
The NHS Inform website has specific resources at nhsinform/scot/mind-to-mind to improve sleep with a particular focus on financial pressures.
