A recent study led by Shay-Ruby Wickham, a researcher at the University of Otago (New Zealand), indicates that sleep, exercise and diet are the three pillars of good mental health.
A study on mental health and well-being
According to a recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology, the three essential pillars of good mental health are sleep, exercise and diet. These three criteria would help fight against depression and generate a feeling of well-being. A total of 1,111 New Zealanders and Americans, between the ages of 18 and 25, participated in the study. They filled out a fitness, diet and sleep pattern form and answered questions about their mental health.
Quality sleep is a factor in good health
The lead author of this study, Shay-Ruby Wickham, a researcher at the University of Otago (New Zealand), concluded from the study that the quality of sleep predominated over the quantity of sleep. ” This is surprising, because sleep recommendations focus primarily on quantity rather than quality. Although we found that too little sleep – less than eight hours – and too much sleep – more than 12 hours – was associated with higher depressive symptoms and lower well-being, the quality of sleep far exceeded the amount of sleep to predict mental health and well-being [d’une personne] »Indicates the researcher. Young adults sleeping 9.7 hours per night would be more resistant to depressive symptoms and those sleeping 8 hours would have a strong sense of well-being. The quality of sleep would therefore allow good mental health and contribute to the well-being of the individual.
Fruits and vegetables, preferably raw
The researchers also found that diet is very important in the balance: eating fruits and vegetables, preferably raw, would lead to better health. The national health nutrition program “Manger Bouger” also recommends 5 fruits and vegetables per day. Young adults consuming an average of 4.8 servings of raw fruits and vegetables per day would experience a higher sense of well-being than people who ate more or less than five.
” Sleep, physical activity and a healthy diet can be considered as three pillars of health that could help promote optimal well-being in young adults, a population with high prevalence of mental disorders and well-being. , not optimal Shay-Ruby Wickham concludes.
