Why the Homeless Need a Good Night’s Rest

The Reality of Sleep for the Homeless

It’s estimated that a third of people in the UK sleep poorly most nights, due to stress, partner disturbance, or lack of comfort. But, on any given night, a significant group of people have an added reason for insomnia – homelessness. In September 2017, more than 300,000 people in Britain were homeless, with over one-third being children. These figures are a stark reminder of the relative poverty in which some live.

As a sleep researcher, I had never considered whether the homeless might be particularly disadvantaged. As World Sleep Day approached, I thought I should. So, let’s explore why sleep is critical for physical health and mental wellbeing – and, for children, school performance.

The Importance of Sleep Hygiene

Sleep hygiene regimes summarize advice about how to get a good night’s sleep. These vary, but all emphasize the importance of consistency during our approach to sleep – preparing to sleep at the same time, in as similar circumstances as possible. We learn what works for us – or those we care for. Our beds, bedrooms, pre-bed routines establish strong associations which, we learn, are predictive of sleeping successfully.

Before most of us sleep successfully, we reduce sources of stimulation and rely on familiar routines – brushing teeth, removing makeup, going to the bathroom. Ordinarily, all of these establish an unhurried, consistent, and routine disengagement from our waking life. These predictable habits are accompanied by a strong biological pressure to sleep, typified by the rise in melatonin secretion, making falling asleep more likely.

The Challenges of Sleep for the Homeless

For the homeless, these stable conditions frequently endanger the consistency we must recreate in order to sleep well. There may also be worries about safety and the discomfort of uncontrollable temperatures or unpredictable noise. Transitory disruptions delay, if not prevent, falling and staying asleep. Poor nourishment and reliance on legal and illegal drugs will also profoundly affect sleep.

Alcohol and nicotine reduce the quality of rest, while cocaine, cannabis, and painkillers all have a detrimental effect. Generally, these effects intensify after periods of chronic use, or during withdrawal. Despite all this, there is no formal evidence that sleep is a particular problem for the homeless. However, as a sleep scientist, I believe there is every reason to believe the homeless will sleep less – and less well.

The Consequences of Poor Sleep for the Homeless

If this is true, the issue of homelessness becomes even more urgent. For those enduring sleep challenges, physical and mental health will be worse – and the prospects for recovery and rehabilitation of the homeless will be drastically reduced. For the homeless child, the long-term prospects are likely to be very bleak indeed. Sleep is critical for the development of cognitive skills, mental health, and social engagement.

But sleep can be improved – and improving sleep may be the basis of a very real change in the prospects of the homeless. By addressing the root causes of homelessness, such as poverty and lack of affordable housing, we can work towards a future where everyone has access to a safe and comfortable place to sleep.

Conclusion

Sleep is a fundamental aspect of our overall health and wellbeing. For the homeless, the lack of a safe and comfortable place to sleep can have severe consequences for their physical and mental health. By recognizing the importance of sleep for the homeless, we can work towards a future where everyone has access to the basic necessities of life, including a good night’s rest.

FAQs

Q: How many people are homeless in the UK?
A: According to the Government, more than 300,000 people in the UK were homeless in September 2017.

Q: What are the challenges of sleep for the homeless?
A: The homeless face numerous challenges that disrupt their sleep, including lack of safety, poor nutrition, and substance abuse.

Q: How does poor sleep affect the homeless?
A: Poor sleep can exacerbate the physical and mental health problems associated with homelessness, making it harder for individuals to recover and rehabilitate.

Q: Can sleep be improved for the homeless?
A: Yes, sleep can be improved through addressing the root causes of homelessness, such as poverty and lack of affordable housing, and providing safe and comfortable places for individuals to sleep.