How does sleep affect intrusive memories and mental health?

According to a study from the University of York and the University of East Anglia, a good night's sleep can help restrict intrusive memories, while disrupted sleep or sleep loss interferes with this ability. The research demonstrates that sleep deprivation disrupts healthy participants' ability to keep intrusive memories at bay. This connection is particularly significant for people suffering from mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and PTSD, where intrusive memories can be recurrent, vivid, and upsetting. Understanding the mechanisms linking poor sleep and mental health offers fresh insight into cognitive and neural processes, highlighting why adequate rest is crucial for emotional well-being and reducing the global burden of mental illness.