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We spend about one-third of our lives sleeping. And not because we’re lazy. Every living creature sleeps, from cats to dolphins, and even fruit flies — it’s an essential need for good health and survival. So, if sleep is a basic health need, why do so many people have trouble doing it?  

Nearly a third of Americans say they sleep poorly or not enough. Our 24/7 culture makes it tough to get a good night’s sleep; we prize long work hours, fast-paced productivity, staying up late to socialize, and simply stiving for 

. While lack of sleep can leave a person groggy, it can also signal a mental illness, make an existing problem worse and increase the risk of mental health issues. 

This Call to Mind special explores the fundamental relationship between sleep and mental health.

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Exploring the fundamental relationship between sleep and mental health.

An illustration showing a person lying in a bed with moonlight shining through the window.

The Reason for Sleep

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