Sleep Disturbances as a Risk Factor for Impaired Physical Health, Everyday Functioning, Depression and Anxiety Disorders: A Narrative Review of Neurobiological and Psychological Mechanisms
Sleep is essential for proper functioning of the body and mind. It supports emotional regulation, cognitive performance, immune function, metabolic processes, and hormonal balance. Sleep disturbances may impair psychological functioning and increase the risk of mood and anxiety disorders. The aim of this study is to review current knowledge on the relationship between sleep disturbances and the risk of developing depression and anxiety disorders, with a focus on underlying biological and psychological mechanisms. This narrative review is based on scientific publications retrieved from PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Included were review articles, meta-analyses, and observational studies published mainly between 2010 and 2025 in English. Selection criteria included relevance, recency, and scientific quality. Results show that sleep disturbances, such as insomnia, reduced sleep duration, and circadian rhythm disruption, are strongly associated with increased risk of depression and anxiety disorders. Insomnia has been identified as an independent predictor of depression and may approximately double its risk. The relationship is bidirectional: mental disorders negatively affect sleep quality, while chronic sleep problems intensify emotional symptoms. In conclusion, sleep disturbances are an important and modifiable risk factor for depression and anxiety disorders. Early identification and treatment of sleep problems may play a key role in prevention and therapy of mental health conditions. Further research is needed to better understand underlying mechanisms and improve preventive and therapeutic strategies.