Insomnia and poor sleep quality in refugee and asylum-seeking populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Refugees and asylum seekers face significant mental health challenges, yet sleep disturbances remain underrecognized despite their critical impact on well-being. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed sleep quality and insomnia severity across 66 studies (n = 42,956). Pooled analyses of the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) based on studies identified in Cochrane, Embase, and PubMed from database inception to December 2024 revealed clinically significant sleep disturbances. The pooled mean ISI score (13.76, 95% CI 10.39–17.13) falls within the upper end of the subthreshold range, bordering on moderate clinical insomnia, while PSQI scores (8.59, 95% CI 2.11–15.07) exceeded clinical thresholds for poor sleep. The pooled prevalence of sleep adversities was 43.2% in adults and 36.4% in children. Secondary findings highlighted prolonged sleep latency and frequent nightmares. Although subgroup analyses suggested trends across populations and assessment methods, statistical significance was limited by sample heterogeneity. Standardized sleep assessments must be integrated into refugee health protocols, with targeted interventions addressing insomnia risk factors.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 42,956 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Tryptophan Metabolism and Gut-Brain Homeostasis
- Rationale for a Multi-Factorial Approach for the Reversal of Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer’s Disease and MCI: A Review
- Prioritized Research for the Prevention, Treatment, and Reversal of Chronic Disease: Recommendations From the Lifestyle Medicine Research Summit
- Relationship between sleep disorders and gut dysbiosis: what affects what?
- The role of CLOCK gene in psychiatric disorders: Evidence from human and animal research
- Genetic, Transcriptome, Proteomic, and Epidemiological Evidence for Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption and Polymicrobial Brain Invasion as Determinant Factors in Alzheimer’s Disease
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.