The mediating role of sleep in PTSD and positive/negative emotional states during the COVID-19 resurgence.

This study aims to analyze the correlation between post-traumatic stress levels and positive/negative emotion among the public during public health emergency, and examine the mediating effect of sleep quality. Our survey relies on an online research platform using the Post-traumatic stress disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-C), Positive and Negative emotion Schedule (PANAS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), which was conducted among individuals in Guangdong and other regions to assess post-traumatic stress levels, emotional status, and sleep conditions. A total of 729 participants were included in the study. The detection rates for Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and sleep disorders were 6.84% and 8.78%, respectively. There are significant differences in positive and negative emotion scores across different age groups and residential areas (P < 0.05). Mediation analysis indicated that sleep quality partially mediates the effects of post-traumatic stress on both positive and negative emotions, with a greater impact on positive emotion than on negative emotion. Relevant departments can enhance positive emotion, reduce negative emotion, and decrease the incidence of PTSD by improving sleep quality.