IDRP - Academic Publishing
IDRP - Academic Publishing
JIS > Volume 1, Issue 3 (2026) > e011012
Why Lose Sleep? Worry Content and Sleep Disturbance Attributed to Worry
Alexandra Soto, William E. Kelly
Abstract
Worry is associated with sleep disturbance, but less is known about whether the content of worry contributes to this relationship. This study examined associations between five domains of everyday worry and sleep disturbance ascribed to worry (SAW) among 200 university students. Participants completed measures of worry domains, SAW, and perceived stress. Consistent with expectations, all five worry domains were significantly associated with SAW. Hierarchical regression indicated that worry domains collectively accounted for significant variability in SAW beyond perceived stress. When the worry domains were considered simultaneously, relationship worry was the only domain uniquely associated with SAW. Findings suggest that the content of worry may contribute to understanding worry-related sleep disturbance beyond general perceived stress. Future research should examine whether particular worry contents, especially interpersonal concerns, are differentially associated with subsequent sleep disturbance.
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Published
October 25, 2026
Keywords
Worry;
Sleep disturbance;
Worry content;
Perceived stress;
Relationship worry;
University students