Can you help scientists understand sleep and mental health?

Young adults can help a ground-breaking research project that explores how sleep and body rhythms hit mental health.

People aged between 18-25 are needed to help the University of Essex understand how circadian rhythms and sleep deprivation impact them.

The Department of Psychology study, led by Dr Helge Gillmeister, wants those with lived experience of dissociation, anxiety, depression or psychosis to join in-person panels.

Participants to these groups – known as Lived Experience Advisory Panels (LEAPs) – will be paid for their time and all contributions will remain confidential.

Dr Gillmeister said: “We still know surprisingly little about how our sleep habits and our daily wellbeing influence each other.

“In-person panels are a great way to tell researchers about your own personal observations, what you would like science to find out more about, and what you think about our research plans.

“If you are a young local person who wants to help others and shape the future of mental health, we would love to hear from you.”

Members will meet on the Colchester campus twice over the next three years to guide and shape the project from the very start.

For more information about our research and to express your interest to be part of the LEAPs, please email