Effect of Quality of Sleep on Anxiety and Depression in Times of Crisis: A Cross‐Sectional Study in a Sample of the Lebanese Population

Objectives To assess sleep quality in the Lebanese population in times of crisis and ongoing war and its effect on anxiety and depression. Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted among the Lebanese population where a questionnaire was developed on LimeSurvey and circulated on social media in order to collect data on sleep quality, anxiety, and depression, along with psychosocial stressors. Standardized scales, the Mini Sleep Questionnaire (MSQ) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), were used to measure individuals’ sleep quality, anxiety, and depression. Results Our sample comprised of 418 participants. Individuals with worsened sleep quality had the highest risk for anxiety (odds ratio [OR] = 9.98, confidence interval [CI]: 5.31–18.76, and p value < 0.001) and depression (OR = 3.2, CI: 1.77–5.8, and p value < 0.001). Protective factors for anxiety included older age (OR = 0.22, CI: −0.08−0.6, and p value = 0.003), male gender (OR = 0.52, CI: 0.28–0.97, and p value = 0.04), and access to needs (OR = 0.49, CI: 0.27–0.91, and p value = 0.023). Safety concern was found to be a risk factor for anxiety (OR = 2.53, CI: 1.37–4.68, and p value = 0.03). Depression risk factors included income (OR = 3.28, CI: 1.51–7.11, and p value = 0.003), loss of interest in daily activities (OR = 1.93, CI: 1.09–3.40, and p value = 0.024), and reduced productivity (OR = 2.51, CI: 1.46–4.29, and p value = 0.001). Performing daily physical activity (OR = 0.6, CI: 0.36–1, and p value = 0.052) and access to needs (OR = 0.39, CI: 0.23–0.67, and p value = 0.001) were protective factors against depression. Conclusion Sleep quality impacts anxiety and depression, and upscale research is needed to explore this relationship further and implement targeted interventions.