Sleep disorders and mental health: Understanding the cognitive connection

Sleep disorders, particularly insomnia, have emerged as a critical public health challenge, with the situation worsened by the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic. Insomnia symptoms, which affected up to 45% of the population during this period, highlight the urgent need to understand the mechanisms linking sleep disturbances to mental health outcomes. Recent findings suggest that cognitive failures, such as memory lapses and attentional deficits, mediate the relationship between insomnia and emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression. The role of personality traits, particularly neuroticism, adds further complexity, as it may either exacerbate or buffer these effects under specific conditions. This review explores the study by Li et al, which offers valuable insights into the cognitive-emotional pathways influenced by sleep disturbances. The study makes significant contributions by identifying key cognitive mechanisms and proposing the dual role of neuroticism in shaping emotional outcomes. To advance these findings, this letter advocates for future longitudinal research and the integration of targeted interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia, into public health frameworks. By addressing insomnia-induced cognitive dysfunction, these strategies can enhance emotional regulation and foster resilience, particularly in vulnerable populations facing the mental health impacts of the pandemic.