Prevalence of insomnia and poor sleep quality in the prison population: A systematic review

Abstract

Summary Insomnia is a public health concern with several associated negative health‐related outcomes. Risk factors for insomnia place the prison population at an increased risk of inadequate sleep. This paper systematically reviewed the literature reporting on the prevalence of insomnia and poor sleep quality in the prison population. Following a comprehensive database search and screening process, 12 studies were eligible for inclusion in this review. Six studies provided prevalence rates for insomnia and nine for poor sleep quality. Varied prevalence rates were found for insomnia (i.e. 26.2%–72.5%) and poor sleep quality (i.e. 42.8%–88.2%). Evaluation of the prevalence rates revealed varied measurement of sleep quality, inconsistent parameters of standardised measures, and methodological heterogeneity. Other considerations were given to geographical differences, the use of self‐report data, gender difference, environmental factors and comorbidities of insomnia. The review highlighted an increase in the quantity of studies and some improved quality; although the findings were highly variable, in the main, inadequate sleep amongst prisoners was higher than the general population. Limitations of the review and implications for further research are discussed.

Sleepless behind bars: the connection between mental health, environment, and sleep among women in jail

“…In contrast, previous research suggests that approximately 10% of the general population has clinically significant insomnia [ 40 ]. Similar to previous studies, our results suggest women incarcerated in jail experience much greater levels of insomnia symptoms than the general population [ 5 ]. Participants also reported high rates of poor sleep quality (75.9%).…”

“…There is robust evidence that sleep disturbance negatively impacts physical and psychological health outcomes [ 3 , 4 ]. The few studies that have been conducted on sleep in incarcerated populations indicate that inmates experience high levels of insomnia and poor sleep quality [ 5–8 ]. However, there is still relatively little research on the sleep health of women in this population.…”

“…In addition, most studies assessing sleep in incarcerated individuals have been conducted in long-term correctional facilities (e.g. prisons) outside the United States [ 5–8 ]. Short-term incarceration facilities (e.g.…”

“…Studies have shown that sleep is highly disturbed in incarcerated populations. A recent systematic review estimated that 26.2% to 72.5% of inmates had insomnia, and 42.8% to 88.2% of inmates had poor sleep quality [ 5 ]. In comparison, estimates for the general population include a 6%–30% [ 5 , 11 , 12 ] prevalence of insomnia and a 25% to 36% prevalence of poor sleep quality [ 5 , 11 , 13 ].…”

“…A recent systematic review estimated that 26.2% to 72.5% of inmates had insomnia, and 42.8% to 88.2% of inmates had poor sleep quality [ 5 ]. In comparison, estimates for the general population include a 6%–30% [ 5 , 11 , 12 ] prevalence of insomnia and a 25% to 36% prevalence of poor sleep quality [ 5 , 11 , 13 ]. It is essential to understand why rates of insomnia and poor sleep quality are higher in incarcerated individuals.…”