Family-owned Australian sleep solutions business A.H. Beard has announced a partnership with mental health organisation Beyond Blue. A.H. Beard will be using its 120 years of sleep expertise and research to remind people about the relationship between quality sleep and good mental health.
This partnership comes at a time when mental health and sleep issues are on the rise. Prior to COVID-19, 4 out of 10 Australians weren't getting the recommended 8-10 hours of quality sleep each night. With job security concerns, isolation, loneliness and a range of other concerns continuing to grow due to COVID-19 and the ensuing economic impact, the challenge of getting a good night’s sleep is further complicated.
“Sleep and good mental health go hand in hand, with research showing that people with sleep problems are more likely to develop significant mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, than those who sleep well,” A.H. Beard Sleep Expert, Dr Carmel Harrington said.
Dr Harrington provides these tips for good sleep:
- Treat sleep as the third pillar of health alongside diet and exercise
- Create a consistent sleep schedule
- Switch off all technology at least one hour before bedtime.
- Avoid alcohol (it is a sleep stealer), caffeine after midday, and do not exercise or eat a large meal within 3 hours of bedtime.
- Make your bedroom conducive to good sleep. It needs to be dark, quiet and cool (an ideal sleeping temperature is around 180C)
- Exercise during the day to improve the quality of your sleep
Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman said: “The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the mental health and wellbeing of many Australians, some for the first time. Eating well, exercising and, importantly, enough sleep help protect our mental health, and these become even more important at times of stress, uncertainty and worry.”
“Getting a good night’s sleep is fundamental to good mental health, so this partnership is a natural fit as we work to support all Australians to achieve their best possible mental health.”
So far during the pandemic:
●There have been more than 600,000 visits to Beyond Blue’s new Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service digital site since launch in early April
●Beyond Blue’s online forums have seen more than 900,000 interactions since early April
●Nationally, call volumes since March have been between 40 and 60 per cent higher each month when compared to last year.
A.H. Beard will be using their digital and in-store marketing channels to raise awareness about mental health, provide sleep tips and encourage those looking for help to seek support from Beyond Blue. Through the sale of their mattresses, A.H. Beard will donate a minimum of $100,000 to Beyond Blue.
“Every dollar will go to the Beyond Blue Support Service, which is staffed by mental health professionals who are ready to provide counselling, advice and referrals 24/7 to everyone in Australia. The funding will facilitate up to 2000 contacts and we thank A.H. Beard for their generosity,” said Ms Harman.
“For 120 years A.H. Beard has been passionate about sleep and supporting Australian communities. Our partnership with Beyond Blue further ignites this passion and will help us raise awareness and provide funding for Beyond Blue’s crucial mental health support services,” said A.H. Beard CEO Tony Pearson.
Beyond Blue will also be providing A.H. Beard and its community with mental health resources and support.