Survey: 50% of Israelis suffering insomnia after Iran war

A survey by one of Israel’s biggest healthcare providers links siren-filled nights to ongoing sleep problems among Israelis.

By World Israel News Staff

Half of Israelis are struggling with persistent sleep problems, with many also reporting heightened anxiety, in the wake of June’s Iran-Israel war.

A survey conducted by Maccabi Healthcare Services revealed a sharp rise in insomnia and other mental health challenges following Operation Rising Lion.

The poll, which included responses from approximately 1,100 Israelis nationwide, found that the country’s emotional well-being has been deteriorating since the October 7 Hamas attacks, and the recent conflict with Iran added another layer of trauma.

Around 50 percent of respondents said they have experienced insomnia at least twice a week since the outbreak of the Israel-Iran war, which saw repeated overnight sirens warning of incoming missile strikes.

This sleep disruption has persisted, despite a fragile U.S.-brokered ceasefire that has held for nearly two months.

More than half of Israelis — 55 precent — reported moderate to severe difficulty returning to normal life after spending almost two weeks in survival mode during the conflict. About 20 percent reported that they experience daily feelings of hopelessness or depression since  October 7, 2023.

Children have also been deeply affected by the ongoing war, Maccabi found.

Some 25 percent of parents reported noticeable negative changes in their children’s behavior, including increased irritability, aggression, or social withdrawal.

“Despite some return to routine, the mental health effects persist — especially as the war continues,” Naama Stein, head of Applied Research at Maccabi, told Hebrew-language outlet Ma’ariv.

“The data shows harm to mental well-being and sleep, leading many to need psychological support and struggle with daily challenges. These concerning trends have been ongoing for nearly two years,” she added.

Dr. Eran Rothman, Maccabi’s chief health officer , said that “the data underscores the war’s long-term mental health toll. Poor sleep, rising fatigue, and prolonged sadness and anxiety harm physical health and daily coping abilities.”

“This is a cumulative process, often developing quietly, so continuous monitoring, early detection, and combining medical care with resilience-building tools are crucial,” Rothman said.