Perceived risk of COVID-19 infection and poor sleep quality: A moderated mediation model

Sleep quality is a cornerstone of mental health that has been profoundly disrupted globally during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study we examined the relationships among the perceived risk of COVID-19 infection, sense of meaning in life, perceived social support, and poor sleep quality. Analysis of data from 451 adults across China revealed that a higher perceived risk of infection predicted poorer sleep quality, with sense of meaning in life partially mediating this relationship. Further, perceived social support moderated the initial pathway, whereby a significant positive association was found between perceived risk of infection and a sense of meaning in life only among those with low (vs. high) perceived social support. Thus, existential purpose and social connectedness jointly buffered against pandemic-induced sleep disturbances, suggesting that public health interventions to address sleep health crises should integrate meaning-enhancing strategies with community support systems.