Season 2, episode 2:
In this podcast we discuss the benefits of sleep and green space on your mental health.
Guest Julie Dunn, a Research Scientist from the University of Liverpool features on the show and talks about how mental health and well-being inspired her 'Sleep Well' garden.
Julie designed her 'Sleep Well' garden for the RHS Flower Show while she was on sick leave recovering from surgery. The garden was inspired by the importance of sleep, looking after your well-being, and green space for sustaining good mental health.
We asked Julie what green space does for her own mental health: "I know that if I get home from work and feel overcome by the day... I know that by going to my allotment and getting my trowel in the soil and watching the robin join me, I'll find myself talking to the robin and looking at the plants and thinking what does it all matter, because no matter what is happening in the outside world, things will keep growing here."
Antonis Kousoulis, Associate Director of Research and Development and Linda Liao, Digital Manager at The Mental Health Foundation have a discussion with Bethan later in the podcast about tips for getting good sleep, and how to incorporate green space into your routine to help look after your mental health.
This aired ahead of World Sleep Day which was on Friday 15 March 2019.
If you have been impacted by anything in this episode, remember that Samaritans are available to call 24/7 for free on 116 123.
Our podcast editor is Tim Butcher.