Insomnia as a Health Risk Factor
Abstract
This article reviewed insomnia epidemiological research, identifying areas where insomnia was a risk factor and isolating areas deserving of further investigation. Insomnia was consistently predictive of depression, anxiety disorders, other psychological disorders, alcohol abuse or dependence, drug abuse or dependence, and suicide, indicating insomnia is a risk factor for these difficulties. Additionally, insomnia was related to decreased immune functioning. The data were inconclusive regarding insomnia as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality, but sleep medication use was predictive of mortality. These results must be tempered with the knowledge that significant weaknesses existed in the studies reviewed. The main weaknesses were inadequate definition of insomnia and inadequate control for alternative explanations. Despite these limitations, this review suggests that insomnia is a risk factor for poor mental and physical health.
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Claims the paper makes
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
Increased risk for suicide, substance use relapse, and possible immune dysfunction have been reported in chronic insomnia patients.
“Increased risk for suicide, substance use relapse, and possible immune dysfunction have been reported. 27”
From Clinical Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Chronic Insomnia in Adults (2008) · cites this paper as [27]
Cites
Monroe, S. M., & Simons, A. D. (1991) · Psychological Bulletin · doi:10.1037/0033-2909.110.3.406 · Cited by 2,143 · see citing works
Sleep disturbance and psychiatric disorders: A longitudinal epidemiological study of young Adults
Breslau, N., Roth, T., Rosenthal, L., & Andreski, P. (1996) · Biological Psychiatry · doi:10.1016/0006-3223(95)00188-3 · Cited by 1,831 · see citing works
Psychological Stress and Susceptibility to the Common Cold
Cohen, S., Tyrrell, D. A. J., & Smith, A. P. (1991) · New England Journal of Medicine · doi:10.1056/nejm199108293250903 · Cited by 1,712 · see citing works
Mortality Associated With Sleep Duration and Insomnia
Kripke, D. F., Garfinkel, L., Wingard, D. L., Klauber, M. R., & Marler, M. R. (2002) · Archives of General Psychiatry · doi:10.1001/archpsyc.59.2.131 · Cited by 1,614 · see citing works
Slowing of wound healing by psychological stress
Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K., Marucha, P. T., Mercado, A. M., Malarkey, W. B., & Glaser, R. (1995) · The Lancet · doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(95)92899-5 · Cited by 1,104 · see citing works
Insomnia and Its Treatment: Prevalence and Correlates
Mellinger, G. D. (1985) · Archives of General Psychiatry · doi:10.1001/archpsyc.1985.01790260019002 · Cited by 1,071 · see citing works
Short and Long Sleep and Sleeping Pills: Is Increased Mortality Associated?
Kripke, D. F. (1979) · Archives of General Psychiatry · doi:10.1001/archpsyc.1979.01780010109014 · Cited by 660 · see citing works
Sleep complaints and depression in an aging cohort: a prospective perspective
Roberts, R. E., Shema, S. J., Kaplan, G. A., & Strawbridge, W. J. (2000) · American Journal of Psychiatry · doi:10.1176/ajp.157.1.81 · Cited by 452 · see citing works
The morbidity of insomnia uncomplicated by psychiatric disorders
Weissman, M. M., Greenwald, S., Niño-Murcia, G., & Dement, W. C. (1997) · General Hospital Psychiatry · doi:10.1016/s0163-8343(97)00056-x · Cited by 415 · cited 1× · see citing works
“…prospective studies found that PWI were 2.35 times more likely to develop alcohol abuse or dependence disorders (d = .02–.05), and 7.18 times more likely to develop drug abuse or dependence disorders (d = .07) than PNI (Breslau et al., 1996; Ford & Kamerow, 1989; Weissman et al., 1997).”
BackgroundInfluentialSome preliminary findings on physical complaints from a prospective study of 1,064,004 men and women
Hammond, E. C. (1964) · American Journal of Public Health and the Nations Health · doi:10.2105/ajph.54.1.11 · Cited by 401 · see citing works
Insomnia and daytime functioning
Riedel, B. W., & Lichstein, K. L. (2000) · Sleep Medicine Reviews · doi:10.1053/smrv.1999.0074 · Cited by 309 · see citing works
Self-citationDryman, A., & Eaton, W. W. (1991) · Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica · doi:10.1111/j.1600-0447.1991.tb01410.x · Cited by 169 · cited 1× · see citing works
“…psychiatric disorders in general or psychic distress (d = .20–.53; Breslau, Roth, Rosenthal, & Andreski, 1996; Chang, Ford, Mead, Cooper-Patrick, & Klag, 1997; Dryman & Eaton, 1991; Ford & Kamerow, 1989; Roberts, Shema, Kaplan, & Strawbridge, 2000; Weissman, Greenwald, Nino-Murcia, & Dement, 1997).”
Sleep as a Mediator of the Stress-Immune Relationship
Hall, M., Baum, A., Buysse, D. J., Prigerson, H. G., Kupfer, D. J., & Reynolds, C. F. (1998) · Psychosomatic Medicine · doi:10.1097/00006842-199801000-00011 · Cited by 136 · see citing works
Flagged first, then by citations
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Clinical Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Chronic Insomnia in Adults
Schutte-Rodin, S., Broch, L., Buysse, D., Dorsey, C., & Sateia, M. (2008) · Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine · doi:10.5664/jcsm.27286 · Cited by 1,943 · see citing works
A Systematic Review Assessing Bidirectionality between Sleep Disturbances, Anxiety, and Depression
Alvaro, P. K., Roberts, R. M., & Harris, J. K. (2013) · Sleep · doi:10.5665/sleep.2810 · Cited by 1,573 · see citing works
Epidemiology of Insomnia, Depression, and Anxiety
Taylor, D. J., Lichstein, K. L., Durrence, H. H., Reidel, B. W., & Bush, A. J. (2005) · Sleep · doi:10.1093/sleep/28.11.1457 · Cited by 988 · see citing works
Self-citationJansson-Fröjmark, M., & Lindblom, K. (2008) · Journal of Psychosomatic Research · doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2007.10.016 · Cited by 646 · see citing works
Taylor, D. J., & Pruiksma, K. E. (2014) · International Review of Psychiatry · doi:10.3109/09540261.2014.902808 · Cited by 359 · see citing works
Sleep problems among Chinese adolescents and young adults during the coronavirus-2019 pandemic
Zhou, S.-J., Wang, L.-L., Yang, R., Yang, X.-J., Zhang, L.-G., Guo, Z.-C., Chen, J.-C., Wang, J.-Q., & Chen, J.-X. (2020) · Sleep Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2020.06.001 · Cited by 316 · see citing works
van Dalfsen, J. H., & Markus, C. R. (2018) · Sleep Medicine Reviews · doi:10.1016/j.smrv.2017.10.002 · Cited by 329 · see citing works
Sleep hygiene education as a treatment of insomnia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Chung, K.-F., Lee, C.-T., Yeung, W.-F., Chan, M.-S., Chung, E. W.-Y., & Lin, W.-L. (2018) · Family Practice · doi:10.1093/fampra/cmx122 · Cited by 313 · see citing works
Sleep Symptoms Predict the Development of the Metabolic Syndrome
Troxel, W. M., Buysse, D. J., Matthews, K. A., Kip, K. E., Strollo, P. J., Hall, M., Drumheller, O., & Reis, S. E. (2010) · Sleep · doi:10.1093/sleep/33.12.1633 · Cited by 276 · see citing works
Insomnia as predictor versus outcome of PTSD and depression among Iraq combat veterans
Wright, K. M., Britt, T. W., Bliese, P. D., Adler, A. B., Picchioni, D., & Moore, D. (2011) · Journal of Clinical Psychology · doi:10.1002/jclp.20845 · Cited by 264 · see citing works
Hill, T. D., Burdette, A. M., & Hale, L. (2009) · Health & Place · doi:10.1016/j.healthplace.2009.04.001 · Cited by 218 · see citing works
Rumination predicts longer sleep onset latency after an acute psychosocial stressor
Zoccola, P. M., Dickerson, S. S., & Lam, S. (2009) · Psychosomatic Medicine · doi:10.1097/psy.0b013e3181ae58e8 · Cited by 209 · see citing works
Insomnia and comorbid psychiatric disorders
Riemann, D. (2007) · Sleep Medicine · doi:10.1016/s1389-9457(08)70004-2 · Cited by 198 · see citing works
Hussain, Z., & Griffiths, M. D. (2021) · International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction · doi:10.1007/s11469-019-00175-1 · Cited by 142 · see citing works
Fang, H.-F., Miao, N.-F., Chen, C.-D., Sithole, T., & Chung, M.-H. (2015) · Journal of Cancer · doi:10.7150/jca.12490 · Cited by 139 · see citing works
Hypothalamic circuitry underlying stress-induced insomnia and peripheral immunosuppression
Li, S.-B., Borniger, J. C., Yamaguchi, H., Hédou, J., Gaudilliere, B., & de Lecea, L. (2020) · Science Advances · doi:10.1126/sciadv.abc2590 · Cited by 121 · see citing works
Does exercise improve sleep for adults with insomnia? A systematic review with quality appraisal
Lowe, H., Haddock, G., Mulligan, L. D., Gregg, L., Fuzellier-Hart, A., Carter, L.-A., & Kyle, S. D. (2019) · Clinical Psychology Review · doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2018.11.002 · Cited by 121 · see citing works
Taylor, D. J., Zimmerman, M. R., Gardner, C. E., Williams, J. M., Grieser, E. A., Tatum, J. I., Bramoweth, A. D., Francetich, J. M., & Ruggero, C. (2014) · Behavior Therapy · doi:10.1016/j.beth.2013.12.010 · Cited by 119 · see citing works
Self-citationUhlig, B. L., Sand, T., Ødegård, S. S., & Hagen, K. (2014) · Sleep Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2014.01.018 · Cited by 106 · see citing works
Secondary insomnia: A myth dismissed
Lichstein, K. L. (2006) · Sleep Medicine Reviews · doi:10.1016/j.smrv.2005.10.001 · Cited by 94 · see citing works
Self-citationKoban, M., Le, W. W., & Hoffman, G. E. (2006) · Endocrinology · doi:10.1210/en.2005-0695 · Cited by 85 · see citing works
The natural history of insomnia: acute insomnia and first-onset depression.
Ellis, J. G., Perlis, M. L., Bastien, C. H., Gardani, M., & Espie, C. A. (2014) · Sleep · doi:10.5665/sleep.3316 · Cited by 81 · see citing works
Is Insomnia a Risk Factor for Decreased Influenza Vaccine Response?
Taylor, D. J., Kelly, K., Kohut, M. L., & Song, K.-S. (2017) · Behavioral Sleep Medicine · doi:10.1080/15402002.2015.1126596 · Cited by 69 · see citing works
Self-citationLauriola, M., Carleton, R. N., Tempesta, D., Calanna, P., Socci, V., Mosca, O., Salfi, F., De Gennaro, L., & Ferrara, M. (2019) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph16183253 · Cited by 63 · see citing works
A Smartphone App for Adolescents With Sleep Disturbance: Development of the Sleep Ninja
Werner-Seidler, A., O'Dea, B., Shand, F., Johnston, L., Frayne, A., Fogarty, A. S., & Christensen, H. (2017) · JMIR Mental Health · doi:10.2196/mental.7614 · Cited by 64 · see citing works
Li, J., Cai, Z., Li, X., Du, R., Shi, Z., Hua, Q., Zhang, M., Zhu, C., Zhang, L., & Zhan, X. (2021) · Annals of Palliative Medicine · doi:10.21037/apm-21-1212 · Cited by 59 · see citing works
Smith, L. J., Gallagher, M. W., Tran, J. K., & Vujanovic, A. A. (2018) · Comprehensive Psychiatry · doi:10.1016/j.comppsych.2018.09.001 · Cited by 56 · see citing works
Determinants of perceived sleep quality in normal sleepers
Goelema, M. S., Regis, M., Haakma, R., van den Heuvel, E. R., Markopoulos, P., & Overeem, S. (2019) · Behavioral Sleep Medicine · doi:10.1080/15402002.2017.1376205 · Cited by 53 · see citing works
Digitally-delivered cognitive-behavioural therapy for youth insomnia: A systematic review
Werner-Seidler, A., Johnston, L., & Christensen, H. (2018) · Internet Interventions · doi:10.1016/j.invent.2018.01.007 · Cited by 36 · see citing works
Cheng, P., Kalmbach, D. A., Hsieh, H.-F., Castelan, A. C., Sagong, C., & Drake, C. L. (2023) · Psychological Medicine · doi:10.1017/s0033291722000472 · Cited by 35 · see citing works
Smith, L. J., Bartlett, B. A., Tran, J. K., Gallagher, M. W., Alfano, C., & Vujanovic, A. A. (2019) · Cognitive Therapy and Research · doi:10.1007/s10608-018-9955-0 · Cited by 25 · see citing works
Combined Insomnia and Poor CPAP Compliance: A Case Study and Discussion
Wickwire, E. M., Schumacher, J. A., Richert, A. C., Sinan Baran, A., & Roffwarg, H. P. (2008) · Clinical Case Studies · doi:10.1177/1534650107309187 · Cited by 21 · see citing works
Digital phenotyping to improve prediction of suicidal urges in treatment: Study protocol
Brown, L. A., Taylor, D. J., Bryan, C., Wiley, J. F., Pruiksma, K., Khazem, L., Baker, J. C., Young, J., & O'Leary, K. (2022) · Aggression and Violent Behavior · doi:10.1016/j.avb.2022.101733 · Cited by 20 · see citing works
Self-citationTreating complicated grief: effects on sleep quality
Germain, A., Shear, K., Monk, T. H., Houck, P. R., Reynolds, III, Frank, E., & Buysse, D. J. (2006) · Behavioral Sleep Medicine · doi:10.1207/s15402010bsm0403_2 · Cited by 20 · see citing works
Orouji, F., Abdi, R., & Chalabianloo, G. (2022) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.800041 · Cited by 13 · see citing works
“, 2005; Jansson and Linton, 2006b), depression (Ohayon, 2002; Cole and Dendukuri, 2003; Riemann and Voderholzer, 2003; Taylor et al., 2003), and catastrophic worries (Talbot et al.”
Background
- Authors
- Taylor, D. J., Lichstein, K. L., & Durrence, H. H.
- Affiliations
- University of Memphis (US)
- ORCID
- Taylor, Daniel J.
- Venue
- Behavioral Sleep Medicine
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2003-11
- Volume
- 1
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 227-247
- ISSN
- 1540-2002 (ISSN-L)
- 1540-2010
- OpenAlex
- W2006664993
- Cited by
- 450
- References
- 13
- Citations by year
- 2026: 5 · 2025: 18 · 2024: 24 · 2023: 34 · 2022: 28 · 2021: 32 · 2020: 36 · 2019: 24 · 2018: 24 · 2017: 25 · 2016: 22 · 2015: 26 · 2014: 25 · 2013: 21 · 2012: 21
- FWCI
- 1.11
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Behavioral Sleep Medicine (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Sleep and related disorders
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Sleep and Work-Related Fatigue
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Obstructive Sleep Apnea Research
- Keywords
- insomnia, health risk factors, depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, suicide, immune function, cardiovascular disease, mortality, sleep medication use, mental health, physical health
- MeSH terms
- Cardiovascular Diseases, Health Status, Humans, Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders, Risk Factors, Suicide, Substance-Related Disorders
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review
