Mental health and sleep are two inseparable pillars of human well-being and both are interconnected. While sleep disturbances increase risk for mental disorders, mental health problems degrade sleep. Let’s learn about mechanisms linking sleep and mental health and how mattress can play a decisive role in promoting a restorative sleep that supports mental health. over the past few years, India’s conversation around wellness has moved beyond diet and exercise to a more important aspect, mental health, which was earlier considered as a taboo and not talked about much. This is because of the rise of mental health issues in the country. In fact, going by the numbers, according to a 2015-16 National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), 11 out of every 100 adults in the country suffered from a diagnosable mental health disorder. This number has only increased in the recent years.
While there are many factors that impact the mental health, sleep is considered to be the most primary factor as it is one of the most powerful and natural tools that promote emotional balance and affect the overall mental health. That said, it is also one of the most overlooked factors. With the late-night work calls, digital overload and relentless schedules, the cost of irregular sleep or sleep deprivation is now quite evident in the form of rising mental health issues. Various studies have shown that that over 33 per cent of Indians struggle with sleep deprivation, a crisis that is silently shaping moods, focus, creativity and mental health of the people.
Dr Ravindra PN, Additional Professor, Centre for Consciousness Studies, Department of Neurophysiology, NIMHANS, says “Sleep has an acute impact on mental health. Sleep deprivation can often lead to mood fluctuations and stress. If you sleep for less number of hours, then it can also impact your overall behaviour which in turn can negatively affect your relationships as you become more irritable.” He adds further, “Various factors impact the sleep pattern as well as the duration. The major reasons include the demanding modern lifestyle and increasing professional needs that lead to chronic sleep deprivation resulting in chronic stress and memory impairment. Even professional output can be negatively impacted. In fact, chronic sleep deprivation can lead to other major consequences like anxiety, depression, epilepsy etc. This can again impact your sleep further.”
Sleep and mental health : Understanding the two way connection
The connection between sleep and mental health is both scientific as well as symbiotic. So, when the sleep is sound, the mind is able to reset itself well and when the sleep is disturbed or less, anxiety increases, emotions are disturbed and the productivity is impacted. In other words, sleep disturbances generally increase the risk for psychiatric disorders and mental health problems degrade sleep.
Dr Rahul Taneja, MD & Psychiatrist, Centre for Mental Health & Behavioral Sciences (CMBS), notes, “Here is a look at three examples to prove the interconnection between sleep and mental health. First, take the case of people who often complain that they are not able to sleep. Basically, they are worried or stressed about something and this makes sleep initiation difficult for them. Second is the case of those people who get up very early or face the issue of early awakening. Well, such people generally suffer from depression. Third is the case of those people who complain that they sleep early but they feel that their mind was working throughout the night. So, basically, they fail to get into the deep sleep phase which again deepens their mental health issues. Thus, these three case scenarios clearly prove that sleep and mental health go hand in hand.”
When the sleep is sound, the mind is able to reset itself well but when the sleep is disturbed or less, anxiety increases, emotions are disturbed and productivity is impacted.
On the same lines, Dr Sushil Kherada, Professor of Psychiatry, Pacific Medical College & Hospital shares, “If there is a problem in sleep initiation or there are frequent arousals in the night, then this impacts your mental health. If you get up very early, then it means you are either suffering from depression or having anxiety issues which are not allowing you to sleep well. On the other hand, if you are having schizophrenia or bi-polar disorders, then the sleeping hours reduce or there is no sleep at all which further leads to sleep problems like insomnia. So, sleep and mental health is closely linked. Primary sleep disorders like insomnia, sleep apnea can definitely aggravate mental health issues.”
Scientifically put, sleep supports emotional regulation, memory consolidation and neurochemical homeostasis. If the sleep is poor, these systems are disturbed and this leads to an increase in emotional reactivity and reduced cognitive control. Poor sleep has a huge impact on the emotional regulation centre of the brain, particularly the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. Thus, the chances of anxiety and depression increase considerably. On the other hand, conditions like chronic stress or mood disorders can make it make difficult to get into the deep sleep stage. Simply put, it is like a circle. Poor quality of sleep increases the production of stress hormones like cortisol and prolonged stress can suppress the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) cycle. The result is then restless nights and a gradual decline in the emotional resilience.
Generally, anxiety, depression and stress alter sleep onset, maintenance and architecture, so the slow-wave sleep is fragmented, REM latency is shortened, or there are hyperarousals which prevent the onset of restorative sleep stages. Dr Sushil Kherada notes, “Sleep is a biological function necessary for maintaining physical and mental health, allowing the body and brain to restore, repair and process information. The quality of sleep depends on all the sleep stages and not just the deepest ones. A healthy sleep cycle involves going through the Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep and REM sleep to ensure the body and brain receive the necessary rest, repair and consolidation for overall well-being. Out of all the four stages, NREM sleep or Stage 3 deep sleep is considered the most restful and restorative stage of sleep where body and brain perform crucial repair functions. If you are not able to get into the deep sleep phase, then the mental health is impacted.”
Here, it needs to be mentioned that sleep does not merely switches off the brain, rather it tunes it. It is in the deep sleep phase that the brain clears all its metabolic waste, consolidates memory and recalibrates mood. However, when the sleep is disturbed, these functions are disrupted and the result is impaired emotional regulation and cognitive sharpness. Srinivasan Sundaerasan, Secretary, Indian Sleep Products Federation (ISPF), says “Brain’s waste removal system, primarily the glymphatic system, is most active during sleep and it helps to clear excess proteins that accumulates during wakefulness. If you are not able to sleep well or sleep for only few hours, then the protein is accumulated in the brain and if there is excessive protein in the brain, then it can lead to stroke as well. So, sleep is very important for mental health.”
Let’s go ahead and take a look at the bi-directional relationship between sleep and mental health in brief. This two-way relation between sleep and mental health is the reason why the connection between sleep science and psychology is increasingly being studied in the modern wellness researches. Many studies have been conducted in the recent past which proves that adult with chronic insomnia show symptoms of mild to severe anxiety. A meta-analysis in the Journal of Sleep Research published in 2023 found that chronic insomnia increases the risk of depression by two and a half times and anxiety by three times. This underlines how mental unrest and sleep deprivation fuel each other.
Dr Rahul Taneja notes, “Mental health can impact the circadian rhythm of the body also. And if there is disruption in the circadian rhythm, then it can lead to stress which can in turn impact sleep. If you sleep for a less number of hours for a long time on a regular basis, then it can impact your emotional well-being as well as psychological resilience. So, the relationship between sleep and mental health is bi-directional.”
| Aspect | Sleep’s impact on mental health | Mental health’s impact on sleep | |
| Mood Regulation | Lack of REM sleep increases irritability and gives rise to negative thinking but adequate sleep stabilises emotional reactivity | Depression and anxiety can impact the REM sleep duration negatively | |
| Cognitive Function | Fragmented sleep reduces attention, problem-solving ability and working memory but appropriate rest improves focus and decision-making | Mental fatigue lowers sleep efficiency and consistency | |
| Stress Management | Sleep loss increases cortisol levels and sympathetic activation | Chronic stress disturbs sleep onset and causes fragmented sleep |
Impact of sleep duration on mental health
Duration of sleep also plays an important role in maintaining emotional stability and enhancing cognitive clarity. So, if there is inefficient sleep, then it can disturb the brain’s regulatory systems which can impact mood, stress hormones and neural processing.
Dr Sushil Kherada says, “A good sleep can increase your attention, concentration, memory and judgement and make your next day cheerful and happy. If you sleep well, then you wake up feeling refreshed. Lack of sleep can not only increase stress but lead to hypertension, diabetes, autoimmune diseases and other issues. That said, some might need 8-9 hours of sleep, some might wake up refreshed in 4-5 hours or some might find 6-8 hours of sleep enough.”
Dr Ravindra PN adds, “Both quantity and quality of sleep are important. However, the number of hours may differ from person to person. So, whether you sleep for 7-8 hours or 5-6 hours, the sleep should be sound.”
Functional consequences of sleep on mental health
Poor sleep not only increases psychiatric risks; rather it has measurable functional consequences for the employers and healthcare sector as well.
- Cognitive and occupational impact : Lack of sleep generally impairs concentration, decision-making process and error detection abilities and this can lead to increased instances of accidents, reduced productivity and increased absenteeism at the workplace. That said, a good sleep can result in less number of on-the-job errors, reduced sick leaves and improved employee morale.
- Healthcare burden and comorbidities : Chronic sleep issues can also increase the risk for cardiometabolic diseases and impair immune function to a very large extent. They can also complicate psychiatric treatment. For example, it is seen that patients with comorbid insomnia generally do not respond well to pharmacological and psychological therapies for depression
Creating a bedroom environment that supports mental health
It is proved that sleep has a considerable impact on mental health. So, it is imperative that we take steps to ensure that the sleep is sound and here comes the role of bedroom environment. Well, sleep environment can significantly determine the sleep continuity and depth, which in turn can impact the mental health. Here, it needs to be noted that restorative sleep environment is not built by accident, rather it is designed.
The bedroom, mattress and sensory ecosystem, all contribute to a good sleep and determine how deeply and peacefully the mind can rest. Dr Sushil Kherada says, “Basically, the sleep hygiene which involves every day routine, sleeping environment and the mattress, have a huge impact on sleep.” Scientific literature consistently shows that people sleep longer, wake up fewer times and experience better emotional stability when their sleep environment is optimised for temperature, comfort, light and psychological cues of safety.
Dr Rahul Taneja, notes, “Sleep hygiene is very important. Bedroom should only be used for sleeping and nothing else. You should not work or exercise in the bedroom. At whatever time you sleep, you should get up at a fix time. Also, lights should be warm and there should be minimal noise in the bedroom. These are just few steps out of many that should be followed for promoting good sleep.”
Well, here are various tips for creating a bedroom and mattress environment that supports restorative sleep and mental well-being:
- Control light exposure to support mood and melatonin : Light is the body’s strongest regulator of circadian rhythm. It is seen that dim and warm lighting in the evening reduces cognitive stimulation and helps you to sleep well. So, one should choose blackout curtains in the bedroom that can improve melatonin release by blocking external street lighting and smart bulbs which can mimic sunset/sunrise to reduce anxiety around sleep schedules.
- Decrease the bedroom noise : Even if there is some noise in the bedroom, then it can increase the cortisol levels and heart rate variability considerably. So, steps should be taken to avoid any noise in the room.
- Ensure clean air in the room : Sleep is greatly affected by the indoor air quality. So, bedrooms should have good and clean air circulation at all times.
- Sensory minimalism for psychological calm : Clutter in the bedroom always increases cognitive load and subconscious stress. Hence, bedroom designs should include neutral or pastel colours and soft textures.
- Choose the right aroma for restorative sleep : Certain scents have a cool and calming effect on the body and mind. For example, Lavender reduces heart rate and promotes deep sleep and Sandalwood supports relaxation.
- Maintain ideal room temperature in the room : The ideal room temperature should be between 18-22°C. Hence, mattresses with cooling technology and breathable covers should be used for a good sleep.
- Build pre-sleep rituals : Pre-sleep routines signal the brain to get in to the rest phase. Hence, steps such as stretching on the mattress and 5-minute meditation could be followed. Dr Ansha Patel, Consultant, Clinical Psychologist and Researcher, Paras Healthcare & CMBS, says, “It is important to fix your sleep. You should keep away from all types of drugs, tobacco and caffeine at least three hours before sleep. Also screens should be kept away for at least 2-3 hours before sleep as it helps the brain to cool down.”
- Choose the right mattress : Mattresses have a huge impact on sleep. They should not only offer comfort but enable uninterrupted and physiologically stable sleep. So, those mattress designs that are backed by the pressure mapping technology and motion isolation technology etc., should be preferred. Dr Ravindra PN says, “Mattresses play a huge role in promoting good sleep which is a biological necessity. So, mattresses should be comfortable as they can help in sleep initiation as well as minimise constant arousals in the night due to various issues.”
In a nutshell, a mental-wellness-supportive sleep environment includes many things like stable temperature, low light and noise, calming sensory design, aligned pre-sleep rituals and ergonomic mattress support. However, out of all, mattresses take the center stage and can have a huge impact on sleep as well as mental health.
Science, sleep, mattress and mental health
In order to come up with technological advanced products that aid in good sleep, it is imperative that the mattress manufacturers understand how biological systems connect sleep and mental state.
The next frontier of mattress innovation lies in influencing the mind and body, not just in foam density or spring count. Specifically, sleep disturbances directly impact the body’s HPA axis and stress physiology. When sleep is fragmented, elevated cortisol levels lead to constant nighttime arousals, impaired emotional regulation, and increased anxiety, Making products that reduce physiological stress and encourage uninterrupted sleep essential for normalizing HPA activity. Furthermore, continuous sleep stages are crucial for sleep architecture and emotional memory processing, where REM sleep helps decouple emotional tone from memories and slow-wave sleep consolidates declarative memory. Fragmentation, common in insomnia, impairs emotional resilience and increases negative affect, indicating that mattresses with motion isolation technology and appropriate support can indirectly protect REM and slow-wave continuity by reducing awakenings. This is compounded by the fact that chronic sleep loss severely disturbs the neurotransmitter balance, including key mood regulators like serotonin and dopamine, highlighting the need for mattresses that reduce chronic sleep loss and prevent these neurochemicals from dipping. Finally, sleep deprivation severely impairs cognitive control and prefrontal function, leading to heightened emotional reactivity and poorer decision-making, a key concern for working professionals and students, as noted by Dr. Ansha Patel, who emphasizes that proper sleep is vital for thinking processes, concentration, and learning ability.
Redefining sleep as a must for emotional recovery
As per the findings of ResMed’s 5th annual Global Sleep Survey revealed earlier this year, Globally, nearly one in four respondents resign themselves to poor sleep. This holds true for India as well. The report also states that 49 per cent of Indians struggle to fall asleep at least three times a week. Well, this hidden crisis has the potential to impact every aspect of life, disrupting work, straining relationships and taking a toll on mental well-being and people are increasingly realising this fact. Gone are the days, when sleep was considered merely a downtime. Today, it is looked as nightly reset for both the body and brain and the mattress industry sits at the heart of this transformation. By merging science-backed designs and sensory comfort, mattress brands can help India sleep not just longer, but better for a good mental health. By designing products that reduce constant arousals, protect sleep architecture and address thermoregulatory and tactile needs, mattress manufacturers can significantly contribute to better mental well-being of the people.
Conclusion
The relationship between sleep and mental health is bi-directional as well as inseparable. For the mattress industry, this connection between sleep and mental health presents both a challenge as well as an opportunity. Further, these days, customers look beyond price and durability and prefer performance and psychological comfort from their mattress. They no longer buy a mattress for comfort alone, but for calm, balance and mental restoration and mattresses have a huge role to play here. As per IMARC Group’s report titled “India Mattress Market Size, Share, and Trends and forecast by Product, Distribution Channel, Size, Application, and Region, 2025-2033, The India mattress market size was valued at USD 2.3 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 4.0 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.1 per cent from 2025-2033.” This demand is expected to be driven by the health-conscious population and growing awareness about the importance of sleep in mental health and wellness.