Macquarie University Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Research Centre Mental Health Month Public Lecture - Sleep and Mental Health: Beyond the Basics

Sleep and mental health: beyond the basics The bidirectional relationship between sleep and mental health is well established, yet the version that reaches us rarely extends beyond "if you sleep poorly, you feel worse" alongside sleep hygiene advice. This talk aims to deepen our understanding of how sleep and mental health are related. It discusses the connection between sleep and mental health, clarifies what the literature says compared with what has made it to the posters, and outlines the aspects of sleep health that matter most for mental health. These themes are explored through common clinical scenarios, illustrating how the sleep and mental health link plays out in practice. The talk offers clinicians and community members a more nuanced account of why sleep matters, and how best to care for it. Meet the speakers: Christopher Gordon is a Professor of Sleep Health at Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University and a Research Leader of insomnia and chronobiology research at Woolcock Institute of Medical Research. His research focuses on insomnia phenotyping, pathophysiology and treatment responses. He is leading the development of novel translational digital sleep therapies. He has worked with academic, industry and government partners on research projects focusing on health solutions. Amelia Scott is a clinical psychologist and early career researcher. She is a Macquarie University Research Fellow at the eCentreClinic within the School of Psychological Sciences. Amelia's clinical and research interests include health psychology and behavioural sleep medicine, with a particular focus on understanding and treating sleep difficulties. * Light refreshments will be served from 5.30pm, and formalities will begin at 6pm. * Please note this is a hybrid event. If you are joining us online, please use the link in the Humanitix confirmation email to access the event from 6pm. An event reminder with the link will also be sent closer to the event. * This is a public event - please feel free to share these details with your network.