How Stress Ruins Sleep via Worry and Anxiety Loops

Perceived stress worsens sleep quality in college students by triggering rumination and anxiety, which together mediate 40% of its impact on sleep.

  • Elevated stress levels directly impair sleep quality by increasing cognitive arousal in young adults
  • Repetitive negative thinking triggered by stress that prolongs sleep onset and fragments rest
MetricScientific ObservationImpact MagnitudeSource
Direct EffectPerceived stress on sleep qualitySignificant negative impactWang et al. (2024)
Mediation PathwayRumination and anxiety chain40% of total effectWang et al. (2024)
Outcomes in StudentsInsomnia and fatigue reportsElevated with high stressWang et al. (2024)