Published online May 19, 2025. doi: 10.5498/wjp.v15.i5.103669
Revised: January 27, 2025
Accepted: March 6, 2025
Published online: May 19, 2025
Processing time: 124 Days and 1.7 Hours
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that negatively impacts quality of life and is frequently comorbid with depression and anxiety. Chronic insomnia affects approximately 15% of the global population, with higher prevalence among females and the elderly. While existing research suggests a bidirectional relation
To explore the correlation between insomnia severity and depression, anxiety, and quality of life in primary chronic insomnia patients.
From June to December 2023, 345 patients with primary insomnia in Chifeng city were recruited and divided into three groups based on Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) scores: Mild (n = 137), moderate (n = 162), and severe (n = 46). Demographic data were collected via questionnaires. Self-rating depression scale (SDS), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), PSQI, and short form 36 (SF-36) scores were compared, and Pearson and partial correlation analyses were performed.
The greater the degree of insomnia, the greater the symptoms of depression and anxiety (P < 0.001). The more severe the insomnia, the lower the SF-36 score (excluding body pain), and the difference between the three groups was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Pearson correlation analysis and partial correlation analysis depicted the SDS score and SAS score were apparently positively correlated with the severity of insomnia (P < 0.001). Pearson correlation analysis and partial correlation analysis depicted the SF-36 scores were apparently positively correlated with the severity of insomnia (P < 0.05).
Depression and anxiety are independent factors influencing insomnia severity in primary chronic insomnia patients. Higher depression/anxiety levels correlate with worse insomnia, impacting quality of life.
Core Tip: This study investigates the correlation between insomnia severity and depression, anxiety, and quality of life in psychiatric outpatients with primary chronic insomnia. Using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index, self-rating depression scale, and self-rating anxiety scale, we found that higher insomnia severity is associated with increased depression and anxiety symptoms and decreased quality of life (measured by short form 36). The findings highlight the importance of addressing emotional comorbidities in insomnia management to improve patients' overall well-being.