Eating Disorder Psychopathology and Insomnia in Iranian Individuals: A Network Analysis

This study investigates the relation between eating disorder (ED) psychopathology and insomnia symptoms in Iran. Using network analysis with Iranian participants (N = 1956) who completed the Farsi versions of the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (F-EDE-Q) and the Insomnia Severity Index (F-ISI), we identified central and bridge symptoms within the ED and insomnia network. Central symptoms included a strong desire to lose weight, discomfort in seeing one’s body, and fear of weight gain. Symptoms that served as bridges between ED and insomnia included difficulties in staying asleep, the impact of sleep problems on quality of life, and the influence of body shape on self-judgment. Targeting these bridge symptoms might enhance the effectiveness of interventions aimed at disrupting the linkage between ED psychopathology and insomnia.