Examining the Relationship Between Sleep Quality, Overthinking, and Anxiety among Young Adults

Abstract

The current study aimed to investigate the role of sleep quality on mental health in young adults, with a particular focus on anxiety and overthinking. Anxiety is the experience of persistent worry, fear, or nervousness that disrupts daily functioning while overthinking involves excessive dwelling on the same thoughts or concerns repeatedly, which leads to increasing stress. The research aims to determine whether poor sleep quality is linked to higher levels of anxiety and overthinking and how these factors influence overall mental health. Research was conducted by analysing a sample of young adults. The study included 88 young adults, aged 18 to 40, who were chosen from community groups. Sleep quality was assessed using the Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI), anxiety was measured with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7), and overthinking was evaluated using the Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire (PTQ). Data were collected via online surveys, and statistical analyses were conducted to explore the connections between sleep quality, anxiety, overthinking, and their impact on mental health. The results showed a significant positive relationship between sleep quality, anxiety, and overthinking. Poor sleep quality was associated with higher anxiety levels and a greater tendency for overthinking in young adults. Additionally, anxiety and overthinking were found to be closely connected, with both influencing the overall impact of sleep quality on mental health. These findings highlight the interdependent nature of sleep, cognitive processes, and emotional well-being in young adults. Enhancing sleep quality may be an essential approach to reducing anxiety, overthinking, and other mental health issues in young adults. Mental health programs should focus on promoting healthy sleep habits, as better sleep can improve emotional regulation, cognitive abilities, and overall mental well-being. Future studies should investigate specific sleep interventions to gain deeper insights into their potential for improving mental health outcomes.