The Reason for Sleep episode artwork

EPISODE · May 20, 2026 · 52 MIN

The Reason for Sleep

from Call to Mind: Fostering New Conversations About Mental Health · host American Public Media

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 striving for more. 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 episode explores the fundamental relationship between sleep and mental health.Learn more about Call to Mind at calltomindnow.org.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published May 20, 2026

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The Reason for Sleep

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This episode was published on May 20, 2026.

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