Insomnia Epidemic: How Poor Sleeping Habits Are Undermining Mental Wellness

Insomnia has emerged as one of the most prevalent public health challenges in contemporary society, particularly within increasingly fast-paced and digitally saturated environments. Characterized by persistent difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, insomnia affects millions globally and imposes substantial emotional and cognitive burdens. This scoping review critically explores the epidemiology, underlying mechanisms, and psychological impacts of insomnia, with a specific focus on its bidirectional relationship with mood disorders, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. Drawing from 46 empirical studies published between 2000 and 2024, alongside relevant theoretical frameworks, the review identifies key patterns and gaps in current research. It further evaluates the effectiveness of evidence-based interventions—including cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia, pharmacological treatments, and emerging digital health technologies—while acknowledging their limitations in real-world contexts. The review advocates for more integrative and personalized approaches to insomnia management that emphasize early detection, behavioral interventions, and cross-sector collaboration. These findings offer insights for mental health practitioners, researchers, and policymakers, underscoring the importance of embedding sleep health within comprehensive mental wellness frameworks to improve patient outcomes and alleviate the broader societal burden of insomnia.