Refugee and asylum-seeking populations exhibit clinically significant sleep disturbances, with high pooled prevalence of sleep adversities.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 66 studies (n=42,956) found that refugees and asylum seekers have clinically significant sleep disturbances. The pooled mean Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) score was 13.76 (95% CI 10.39-17.13), bordering on moderate clinical insomnia, and the pooled mean Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score was 8.59 (95% CI 2.11-15.07), exceeding clinical thresholds for poor sleep. The pooled prevalence of sleep adversities was 43.2% in adults and 36.4% in children.
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Refugee and asylum-seeking populations exhibit clinically significant sleep disturbances, with high pooled prevalence of sleep adversities. The current body of evidence comprises 1 study and 1 meta-analysis. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 47/100 (low).
The Claim
Refugee and asylum-seeking populations exhibit clinically significant sleep disturbances, with high pooled prevalence of sleep adversities.
This conclusion is most relevant to: Refugee and asylum-seeking populations (adults and children).
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Insomnia and poor sleep quality in refugee and asylum-seeking populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis. (PloS one, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Chronic stress and trauma exposure in refugee populations
- ▸Disruption of circadian rhythms due to displacement
- ▸Increased hyperarousal and anxiety
- ▸Result: Clinically significant sleep disturbances and high insomnia prevalence
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Refugee and asylum-seeking populations (adults and children)
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Subgroup analyses had limited statistical significance due to sample heterogeneity
- ▸The abstract does not specify control groups or causal mechanisms
Frequently Asked Questions
What sleep assessment tools were used in this meta-analysis?▼
The Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to assess sleep quality and insomnia severity.
How prevalent are sleep problems in refugee children?▼
The pooled prevalence of sleep adversities in children was 36.4%.
What was the average ISI score across studies?▼
The pooled mean ISI score was 13.76, which falls in the upper subthreshold range bordering on moderate clinical insomnia.
Does this study recommend any interventions?▼
The authors recommend integrating standardized sleep assessments into refugee health protocols and developing targeted interventions addressing insomnia risk factors.
References
- 1.Carpinelli LP, Gauer LE, Soares VHD, Williams SB, Szepeilewicz CB, Pezzini JV, Neto AOG, Ribeiro STG. “Insomnia and poor sleep quality in refugee and asylum-seeking populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis..” PloS one, 2026. PMID: 42391198 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0352964