Cyberchondria, Health Anxiety, and Sleep Quality: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study of Adults with and Without Psychosomatic Disorders

Background/Objectives: The increasing reliance on the Internet for health information has contributed to the emergence of cyberchondria, a phenomenon closely associated with health anxiety and potentially linked to sleep disturbances. Evidence remains limited in the Saudi context, particularly regarding differences between individuals with and without psychosomatic disorders. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 1224 Saudi adults (535 with psychosomatic disorders and 689 without). Data were collected using validated instruments, including the Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS-12), Short Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI-18), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation coefficients and two-way ANOVA. Results: The prevalence of cyberchondria was 56.78%, health anxiety 38.76%, and poor sleep quality 56.9%. Significant positive correlations were observed between cyberchondria, health anxiety, and poor sleep quality across both groups, with stronger associations among individuals with psychosomatic disorders. Two-way ANOVA revealed a significant main effect of clinical status on all variables and a significant effect of sex on health anxiety, with higher levels among females. Conclusions: Findings highlight a significant interplay between cyberchondria, health anxiety, and sleep quality, particularly among individuals with psychosomatic disorders. These results underscore the need for targeted public health interventions addressing digital health behaviours and mental health.