Adverse experiences in childhood and adolescence in relation to sleep health in adulthood: An overview of systematic reviews and a global evidence map

Adversities in childhood and adolescence (ACA) can disrupt biological, developmental, and behavioral processes, potentially contributing to poorer sleep in adulthood. However, the certainty of the evidence of this association remains unclear. To synthesize and evaluate evidence of associations between ACA and adult sleep health (≥18 years) across World Health Organization regions while considering benevolent and risk factors, we conducted an overview of systematic reviews/meta-analyses. Using a predefined protocol, we systematically reviewed records published from database (n = 5) inception to February 2026, synthesized results, and performed quality and bias appraisal using validated tools, which allowed for assessment of the overall certainty of evidence. Twelve systematic reviews, including one relevant meta-analysis, were identified. ACA exposure was consistently associated with poorer sleep (e.g., insomnia symptoms, nightmares, higher arousals) in adulthood. Confidence in findings was generally critically low, and risk of bias was high, resulting in low certainty, overall. Evidence was concentrated in Regions of the Americas and Europe, with no representation from low-income countries. Reviews broadly summarized ACA-sleep associations, limiting synthesis of potential moderation by benevolent and risk factors. ACAs appear associated with poorer sleep health in adulthood; however, certainty remains low. More research across global populations is needed.