The Relationship Between Sleep Disorders and Mental Health: A Cross-Sectional Study

RESUMO

Moamen Abdelfadil Ismail*, Salman Ageel, Abdulmajeed Mousa Alzahrani, Noura Ahmad Alghamdi, Shahad Ali Alzahrani, Yazan I. Alshaikhi, Rayan Abdullah S Alharbi, Ghadah Mohammed Alghamdi, Faiha Nedhal Ayoub, Refal Hamad Jamjoom

Background: Sleep disorders and mental health conditions are prevalent public health concerns with a recognized bidirectional relationship. This study aimed to assess the association between various sleep disorders (insomnia, daytime sleepiness, obstructive sleep apnea risk) and mental health symptoms (depression, anxiety, stress) in a sample of adults.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 355 adults recruited from community and clinical settings. Participants completed a structured questionnaire comprising demographic details, the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), STOP-BANG questionnaire, and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation and multiple linear regression.

Results: A high prevalence of sleep disorders was found: 70.4% of participants reported at least subthreshold insomnia, 46.5% had excessive daytime sleepiness, and 21.1% were at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea. Mental health symptoms were also common, with 57.7%, 66.2%, and 54.9% reporting symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively. Strong, statistically significant positive correlations were identified between all sleep disorder measures and mental health symptoms. Insomnia severity showed the strongest correlation with depression (r = 0.52, p < 0.01).

Conclusion: This study confirms a strong and significant association between sleep disorders and poorer mental health outcomes in adults. The findings underscore the importance of integrated screening and management of sleep disturbances in clinical mental healthcare as a potential strategy for improving psychological well-being and treatment efficacy.