New study looks at link between mental health and sleep in Samoan youth

Everyone has to sleep but when that sleep is disrupted due to anxiety and depression, this can heavily affect one’s mental health.

A recent study, Sleepless in Samoa, explores how sleep and circadian rhythms could help address these mental health challenges, particularly for young people.

Adjunct Associate Professor of Science at the National University of Samoa Li’amanaia Dr Roannie Ng Shiu says focusing on young people will reduce the load on mental health services in the future.

“We just don’t have the capacity within Samoa … in terms of enough mental health services in order to address mental wellness in adults,” she said. “If we can do something that will strengthen mental resilience in our young people without needing mental health services or pharmacological interventions, then it’ll not only help our young people, but also Samoa.”