Poor sleep increases belief in conspiracy theories

A new study reveals that poor sleep can make people more likely to believe in conspiracy theories. Researchers from the University of Nottingham found that insufficient sleep affects both mental and physical health. They noted that poor sleep can lead to issues like depression and anxiety, which may increase susceptibility to conspiracy beliefs. The study involved two parts. In the first part, 540 participants assessed their sleep quality before reading about a fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in 2019. Some read factual information, while others read a false story suggesting a cover-up. Those who reported worse sleep were more likely to believe in the conspiracy. In the second part, 575 people were analyzed to find out why poor sleep was linked to conspiracy beliefs. Depression was identified as the primary reason, with anger and paranoia also playing a role, but to a lesser extent. While the study shows a connection between sleep quality and belief in conspiracies, it does not prove that one causes the other. Factors like chronic stress may affect both sleep patterns and willingness to believe in conspiracies. Improving mental health may be as important as getting better sleep, the authors noted. Conspiracy theories can have significant societal impacts. They can lead to distrust in important areas like vaccinations and climate change. Experts warn that subscribing to these beliefs can hurt community health and resilience. Sleep is essential for overall well-being. It supports mental functions, mood, and physical health. Poor sleep doesn’t just make individuals feel tired; it can lead to serious health risks, including obesity and heart disease. Well-rested people perform significantly better than those who lack adequate sleep.