A good night’s sleep can mental health in young adults

Scientists at the University of Otago in New Zealand found that regular, quality sleep was strongly linked to higher levels of wellbeing.

The study also highlighted the benefits of eating plenty of fruit and vegetables and exercising regularly, with all three behaviours contributing to better mental health.

Researchers discovered that boosting fruit and vegetable intake might even help compensate for a poor night’s sleep.

The findings suggest that small, positive lifestyle choices can have a noticeable impact on how people feel from one day to the next.

Dr. Jack Cooper, from the University of Otago, New Zealand, who led the study, said: “Both behaviours showed benefits even between different days – so eating more fruit and vegetables one day was associated with a real-time wellbeing boost.

"Sleeping a little better, eating a little healthier, or exercising even 10 minutes longer than normal is associated with improvements to how you feel that day."

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