Self-reported total sleep time was negatively associated with depression (B=-0.28, p<0.0005) and anxiety (B=-0.15, p=0.003) symptoms among adults at the US-Mexico border.
Observational (n=983)
In a Hispanic/Latino population at the US-Mexico border, self-reported shorter sleep duration, insomnia, sleep apnea symptoms, and later weekday sleep timing were associated with increased depression and anxiety symptoms.
Abstract Introduction Little is known about associations between multidimensional sleep health and mental health in Hispanic/Latino populations. Methods Data were obtained from the Nogales Cardiometabolic Health and Sleep (NOCHES) study, consisting of 983 adults age 25-60 living at the US-Mexico border around Nogales, AZ. Depression (PHQ9) and anxiety (GAD7) symptoms were assessed using validated scales. Sleep metrics included actigraphy total sleep time (TST, n=819), self-reported TST, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI, assessed with home sleep test), snoring, daytime sleepiness, insomnia symptoms (ISI, total score and sub scores for sleep e.g., difficulty falling/staying asleep, daytime e.g., impaired functioning, and perception e.g., dissatisfaction/worry symptoms), perceived control over sleep (BRISC), sleep medication use, and sleep timing (weekday and weekend bedtime and waketime). Covariates included age, gender, language of administration, and acculturation (Mexican and Anglo). Results Self-reported TST was negatively associated with PHQ9 (B=-0.28, p 0.0005) and GAD7 (B=-0.15, p=0.003) but actigraphy TST was not (p0.05). ISI was associated with PHQ9 (B=0.47, p 0.0005) and GAD7 (B=0.34, p 0.0005), and when subscales were adjusted for each other, associations were seen for sleep (PHQ9 B=0.48, p 0.0005; GAD7 B=0.37, p 0.0005) and daytime (PHQ9 B=0.67, p 0.0005; GAD7 B=0.41, p 0.0005) but not perception symptoms. AHI was associated with PHQ9 (B=0.03, p=0.017) but not GAD7. Frequent snoring was associated with PHQ9 (B=1.79, p 0.0005) and GAD7 (B=1.32, p 0.0005), as was frequent daytime sleepiness (PHQ9 B=7.05, p 0.0005; GAD7 B=4.67, p 0.0005). Increased control over sleep was negatively associated with PHQ9 (B=-1.15, p 0.0005) and GAD7 (B=-0.75, p 0.0005). Frequent sleep medication use was associated with PHQ9 (B=3.60, p 0.0005) and GAD7 (B=3.37, p 0.0005). Weekday bedtime was associated with PHQ9 (B=0.11/hr, p=0.047) and weekday waketime was associated with PHQ9 (B=0.08/hr, p=0.019; GAD7 B=0.08/hr, p=0.006). Conclusion Mood disorder symptoms at the US-Mexico border are associated with self-reported later weekday sleep timing and shorter self-reported (but not actigraphic) sleep duration, insomnia and sleep apnea symptoms, and decreased control over sleep. Sleep health interventions in this community may lead to improved mental health. Support (if any) R01MD011600, R01MH135978
Diaz-Pacheco et al. (2026) conducted an observational in Depression and anxiety (n=983). Self-reported total sleep time was negatively associated with depression (B=-0.28, p<0.0005) and anxiety (B=-0.15, p=0.003) symptoms among adults at the US-Mexico border.