Scientists at the University of Otago in New Zealand have identified the main factor that most affects mental health. The Science Alert publication tells about the results of scientific work.
The study involved 1,111 young people aged 18-25 from New Zealand and the United States who participated in an online survey. The volunteers indicated the quality and duration of sleep, the level of physical activity, the amount of raw and processed vegetables and fruits, fast food, sweets, carbonated drinks consumed. They also reported on their socioeconomic status, body mass index, amount of alcohol consumed, number of cigarettes smoked, and general health.
It turned out that the quality of sleep was largely associated with symptoms of depression and general well-being, followed by the quantity of sleep and physical activity, although, despite the secondary importance of these factors, they remain significant. A healthy diet improved well-being, but did not affect depressive symptoms.
Although no causal relationship can be established from the study results, the authors of the study suggest that quality of sleep determines the mental health and well-being of young people.