Not getting enough sleep on a consistent basis has been linked to a higher likelihood of believing conspiracy theories in a new study by the University of Nottingham in the UK. The researchers found that people who had suffered from insomnia or poor sleep quality over the past month were more susceptible to far-fetched explanations for world events.

Poor sleepers are more likely to believe in conspiracy theories, study suggests - Psychologists also found depression was a mechanism in conspiratorial beliefs

Poor sleep can make you susceptible to a wide range of physical and mental health issues, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and anxiety. But new research indicates it may also increase the chances of yet another unwanted outcome: embracing conspiracy theories.

Feelings of disadvantage can lead to spitefulness, said researchers, making people more receptive to believing conspiracy theories.

The findings confirmed that poor sleep quality was linked to conspiracy belief, with depression being the strongest link between the two. In other words, increased depression helped explain why poor sleep quality is associated with conspiratorial thinking.

"Spite is the desire to 'level the playing field' by trying to knock someone else down, because it feels like there is no other choice. Conspiracy theories can serve as a way for individuals to satisfy this desire through rejecting expert opinion and scientific consensus."