Researchers from the University of Nottingham reveal how poor sleep can increase susceptibility to fantastical beliefs, highlighting the importance of addressing sleep issues for mental well-being.
New research conducted by experts from the University of Nottingham highlights a troubling connection between poor sleep quality and the endorsement of conspiracy theories among the British population. This study tracked over 1,000 participants and found that individuals experiencing a month of restless sleep were significantly more likely to subscribe to fantastical beliefs, such as the idea that the Earth is flat or that the 9/11 attacks were orchestrated by the US government.
Dr Daniel Jolley, the lead author of the study and an assistant professor in social psychology at the University of Nottingham, emphasised the importance of sleep for mental health, stating, “Sleep is crucial for mental health and cognitive functioning.” He noted that insufficient sleep can increase the risks of depression, anxiety, and paranoia—factors known to contribute to the development of conspiracy beliefs. “Our research suggests that improving sleep quality could serve as a protective factor against the spread of conspiratorial thinking,” said Dr Jolley.
According to the findings, there is a notable correlation between poor sleep and an increased tendency to believe in conspiracy narratives—alternative explanations for significant events that reject widely accepted accounts in favour of more elaborate plots. The research involved two assessments, with the first phase requiring 540 volunteers to complete a sleep quality assessment before engaging with material regarding the 2019 fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Participants were exposed to contrasting narratives, with some reading a conspiracy theory proposing a deliberate cover-up and others an objective account attributing the incident to an accident. The results indicated that those with poorer sleep quality were “significantly” more likely to embrace the conspiratorial narrative.
The second phase of the study involved tracking 575 additional participants who were assessed for their emotional states and their susceptibility to conspiracy thinking concerning prominent theories, including climate change and the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The analysis revealed significant impacts of depression, anger, and paranoia on both sleep quality and the likelihood of developing what researchers termed a “conspiracy mentality.”
This research aligns with a wider body of findings regarding sleep deprivation and its health consequences. Separate studies, including one from the University of Hong Kong, noted that individuals experiencing insomnia reported heightened emotional instability, which in turn increased their propensity to adopt conspiracy beliefs and experience psychological distress. Alarmingly, statistics indicate that approximately one in six individuals in the UK suffers from insomnia, with many failing to seek assistance for their sleep issues. A separate poll conducted by The Sleep Charity revealed that 90 per cent of respondents reported encountering some form of sleep problem.
Understanding the sleep-conspiracy link is essential, as experts have long warned about the broader health impacts of inadequate sleep. These include serious conditions such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer. This body of research suggests that addressing sleep quality may be integral not just for individual health but also for enhancing our ability to critically evaluate information and resist the allure of misleading narratives. As the conversation about mental health and conspiracy theory engagement continues, the implications of ensuring better sleep practices emerge as a significant area of consideration.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.miragenews.com/research-links-poor-sleep-to-rise-in-conspiracy-1424389/ – This article supports the claim that poor sleep quality is linked to an increased likelihood of endorsing conspiracy theories, as found in a study by the University of Nottingham. It highlights the role of depression in this relationship.
- https://sleepopolis.com/news/lack-of-sleep-leads-to-conspiracy-theories/ – This article corroborates the connection between sleep disturbances, such as insomnia, and the adoption of conspiracy theories. It discusses how psychological distress associated with insomnia can contribute to believing in conspiracies.
- https://www.ntu.ac.uk/about-us/news/news-articles/2019/11/strong-family-relationships-improve-sleep-according-to-new-study – This study from Nottingham Trent University shows how strong family relationships can improve sleep quality, which indirectly supports the broader importance of sleep for mental health and potentially reducing susceptibility to conspiracy theories.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10311201/ – Although not directly related to sleep or conspiracy theories, this article highlights the increasing reliance on digital evidence in investigations, which can sometimes involve conspiracy narratives. It does not directly support the article’s claims but is relevant to the broader context of information evaluation.
- https://www.noahwire.com – This is the source of the original article, providing the context for the research findings on the connection between poor sleep quality and conspiracy theories.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative references recent research from the University of Nottingham, suggesting it is relatively current. However, specific publication dates for the study or related press releases are not provided.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The quote from Dr Daniel Jolley appears original to this context, as there is no readily available earlier reference online. This suggests it might be a first-hand quote from a recent interview or press release.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Daily Mail, a widely read but sometimes controversial source. While it references reputable academic research, the presentation may be sensationalized.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about the link between sleep quality and conspiracy theory endorsement are plausible and align with existing research on sleep deprivation’s effects on mental health and cognitive function.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative appears to be based on recent research and includes plausible claims about sleep quality and its impact on mental health. However, the source’s reliability is somewhat diminished due to potential sensationalism, and the lack of specific publication dates for the study limits the freshness score.
