In recent years, the global scientific community has exhibited an increasing interest in studying mental health challenges among university students, a demographic particularly vulnerable to anxiety and sleep-related disorders. New research emerging from Somaliland offers unique insights into this pressing issue, shedding light on the complex interplay of stressors that contribute to deteriorating psychological well-being within this population. A pioneering study conducted by Gideon and Bayray at Edna Adan University delves deeply into the prevalence and underlying causes of anxiety and sleep disorders, providing a detailed and technical exploration that could have implications far beyond the local context.
University life is a period marked by profound transitions, increased responsibilities, and often, intense academic pressures. It is within this milieu that mental health disorders such as anxiety and insomnia find fertile ground to grow. Epidemiological data from high-income countries have long documented high rates of anxiety and sleep disorders in young adults, but comprehensive data from low-income and conflict-affected regions remains sparse. This investigation by Gideon and Bayray addresses this void by evaluating students at Edna Adan University, situated in Somaliland, a region with its own distinct socioeconomic challenges and cultural dynamics.
Technically, anxiety disorders are marked by persistent, excessive worry that interferes with daily functioning. They often co-occur with sleep disorders, including insomnia, circadian rhythm disruptions, and poor sleep quality. Sleep is a critical biological process regulated by homeostatic and circadian mechanisms involving multiple brain regions and neurochemical pathways. Disruptions in these processes not only impair cognitive performance but exacerbate emotional dysregulation. This bidirectional relationship between anxiety and sleep deficiencies forms the crux of the study’s approach.
The researchers employed a multifaceted methodological framework combining psychometric assessments, sleep quality indices, and qualitative interviews to gather comprehensive data. Standardized tools such as the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were utilized to quantify symptom severity in the student cohort, allowing for reliable diagnostic categorization based on DSM-5 criteria. The incorporation of subjective reports alongside objective measurements significantly strengthens the validity of the findings.
Among the most striking findings is the high incidence of comorbid anxiety and poor sleep hygiene among participants. Statistical analysis revealed that a substantial proportion of students exhibited moderate to severe anxiety symptoms alongside clinically significant sleep disturbances. These results align with neuropsychological theories that posit anxiety dysregulation as both a precursor and consequence of impaired sleep architecture. The evidence suggests that these disorders are not isolated phenomena but interact synergistically to worsen mental health outcomes.
The study further elucidates the multifactorial nature of stressors contributing to these conditions. Beyond academic pressures, students identified financial instability, uncertainty about future employment prospects, and ongoing sociopolitical instability within Somaliland as pivotal factors driving psychological distress. These external stressors exacerbate internal vulnerabilities by activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, resulting in chronic hypercortisolemia that disrupts sleep-wake cycles and heightens anxiety sensitivity.
Culturally specific variables were also examined to understand their impact on symptom expression and coping strategies. The research highlights that cultural stigma surrounding mental health in the region inhibits help-seeking behavior, leading to underreporting and untreated conditions. This aspect holds critical implications for public health interventions, suggesting a need for culturally sensitive educational programs and accessible mental health services tailored to university populations in similarly situated regions.
Importantly, the authors propose a biopsychosocial model that integrates biological predispositions, psychological stressors, and social-environmental factors. This model allows for a nuanced understanding of how anxiety and sleep disorders manifest and persist in this demographic. Neurobiological mechanisms, including alterations in amygdala reactivity and prefrontal cortex function, are discussed alongside environmental triggers, forming a comprehensive explanatory framework.
The practical significance of this study extends to potential intervention strategies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and anxiety management programs could be adapted for the specific context of Somaliland’s university environments. Moreover, the use of emerging digital health technologies, such as mobile applications for monitoring sleep patterns and delivering psychoeducation, is suggested as a scalable approach to reach large student populations with limited access to traditional mental health resources.
The article also draws attention to the need for longitudinal research designs to capture the evolution of anxiety and sleep disturbances over time and their long-term effects on academic performance and functional outcomes. Such designs would enable causal inferences and more accurate predictions of risk and resilience factors, ultimately informing targeted prevention efforts.
Beyond individual health, the findings underscore the broader implications for societal well-being and economic development. Mental health disorders among young adults have been shown to impair productivity, reduce educational attainment, and increase healthcare utilization. Addressing these issues in Somaliland’s academic institutions is therefore not only a public health imperative but also a critical socio-economic priority.
As the first comprehensive study of its kind within this context, Gideon and Bayray’s research fills a significant gap in the literature and serves as a clarion call for international collaboration. By illuminating the unique challenges faced by students in this East African region, their work advocates for a global mental health agenda that incorporates diverse geopolitical realities and resource-limited settings.
Furthermore, this investigation contributes to the growing recognition that sleep health is integral to overall mental well-being and should be a focal point in student wellness programs worldwide. The intersectionality of anxiety and sleep disorders demands integrated strategies that address underlying etiologies holistically rather than in isolation.
In synthesizing their findings, the authors emphasize the ethical and practical necessity of destigmatizing mental health within university cultures, training faculty to recognize symptoms, and establishing campus-based support networks. Such systemic changes could markedly reduce the burden of anxiety and sleep-related disorders, fostering healthier, more resilient student bodies.
Research efforts like this one also highlight the invaluable role of culturally competent frameworks in mental health research and practice. Acknowledging and incorporating the cultural, social, and political nuances inherent to Somaliland’s unique environment enhances the relevance and efficacy of any proposed interventions.
In conclusion, the groundbreaking research conducted at Edna Adan University offers robust empirical evidence and theoretical advancements in understanding anxiety and sleep disorders among university students in Somaliland. Its comprehensive approach, combining psychometrics, neurobiological theory, and sociocultural analysis, sets a new standard for mental health research in underrepresented regions. As mental health continues to gain prominence on the global health agenda, studies like this pave the way for innovative, equitable, and impactful solutions tailored to diverse student populations worldwide.
Subject of Research: Anxiety and sleep disorders among university students in Somaliland, focusing on associated stressors and their psychological impacts.
Article Title: Exploring anxiety and sleep disorders among Edna Adan university students in Somaliland: associated stressors and insights.
Article References:
Gideon, P., Bayray, A. Exploring anxiety and sleep disorders among Edna Adan university students in Somaliland: associated stressors and insights.
BMC Psychol 13, 488 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-02787-w
Image Credits: AI Generated
