Changes in sleep quality and depression after bariatric surgery: A comparison of preoperative and postoperative periods

AIM: Obesity is a major public health problem that is rapidly increasing worldwide and reducing the quality of life. Increased adipose tissue and hormonal alterations elevate the risk of sleep disorders and depression, forming a bidirectional link with obesity. This study evaluates the relationship between sleep quality and depression by comparing preoperative and postoperative changes in bariatric surgery patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 47 adults (≥18 years) who applied for bariatric surgery at Sakarya Training and Research Hospital between November 2024 and July 2025. Data were collected by the researcher through face-to-face surveys using a demographic questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Analyses were conducted in SPSS v.27 with p<0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: In our study, a significant improvement was observed in participants' sleep quality and depression levels after bariatric surgery. Patients who exhibited mild to moderate depression preoperatively showed a reduction to minimal levels postoperatively. Regarding sleep quality, 83% of participants achieved good sleep quality in the postoperative period, and their daytime sleepiness levels returned to normal ranges. The rate of eating disorders decreased from 63.8% in the preoperative period to 8.5% postoperatively, and individuals with eating disorders were found to have higher depression and daytime sleepiness scores. Additionally, individuals with poor sleep quality had higher depression scores, and a significant decrease in PSQI scores was observed as subjective sleep quality improved. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that bariatric surgery not only facilitates weight reduction in obese individuals but also enhances sleep quality and psychological well-being. The observed link between eating disorders, depression, and daytime sleepiness underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach. Moreover, the results suggest that obesity arises from both genetic and environmental determinants, highlighting the value of family-centered interventions. Keywords: Bariatric surgery, depression, obesity, sleep