Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep, and is associated with significant mental and physical health consequences. Insomnia is increasingly prevalent among college students, and personality dimensions such as attachment styles are gaining attention among mental health professionals concerning treatment of psychological disorders. Attachment styles are patterns of psychological and emotional responses within relationships that are largely shaped by childhood experiences. An avoidant attachment style is characterized by emotional distance, conflict avoidance, and need for independence. This may influence insomnia by increasing emotional suppression and physiological hyperarousal, making it more difficult to relax and sleep. 

The aim of our project is to examine the association between insomnia and attachment style among students at UMass Amherst. In Fall 2025, a cross-sectional survey was administered to 232 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate-level courses in the School of Public Health and Health Sciences. Insomnia symptoms were measured using the Insomnia Severity Index, developed in 1993 by Charles Morin and colleagues, and attachment style was assessed using a questionnaire based on Experiences in Close Relationships framework developed by researchers at the University of Illinois. We will use SAS 9.4 and Stats Blue to evaluate the relationship between insomnia and attachment style based on the screening questionnaires. 

We expect to find a positive relationship between avoidant attachment style and insomnia severity. These findings may inform future research surrounding psychological and sleep disorders along with treatment options aimed to alleviate related symptoms among college students.