Anxiety and Depression During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Their Impact on Sleep

Abstract

The effects of COVID-19 on mental health are severe. It is widely acknowledged that there is a link between anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. Although we are aware that such disorders can be exacerbated during an active infection, the exact effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the relationship between anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders are not yet clear. Sleep disorders that appear to be associated with high levels of mental disorders are typically disregarded and classified as nonspecific occurrences. However, they should still be expected to cause problems. This is because the link between mental health conditions and other problems is often shared. This chapter aims to provide a comprehensive overview of how anxiety and depression impacted sleep disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also briefly explores the prevalence and treatment options available for these conditions. The overall prevalence of anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders was higher during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with before the pandemic. In addition, bidirectionally significant associations were found between sleep disorders, anxiety, and depression. This suggests that anxiety and depression predict sleep disorders and vice versa. Thus, we might recommend that treating sleep disorders can prevent anxiety and depression from developing.