This big study looked at more than 70,000 people who were sixty years old or older. It checked how their sleep habits related to feeling worried or anxious. The results show that having trouble sleeping or not getting enough rest makes anxiety much more likely.
Specific sleep problems were found to be very important. Those with poor sleep quality had about four times the chance of having anxiety symptoms. Those who slept for a short time had more than twice the chance of feeling anxious compared to those who slept well.
The study also found that poor sleep quality was a bigger problem than just sleeping for a short time. However, scientists say we need more research to see if bad sleep causes anxiety or if anxiety causes bad sleep. Doctors should check sleep habits in older patients who feel anxious.