Mental Health & Bed Bugs: How Infestations Affect More Than Just Sleep

Living with a bed bug infestation isn’t just about itchy bites—it can take a serious toll on your mind and emotions. Research shows that many people facing infestations report sleepless nights, anxiety, hypervigilance (always worried the bugs will return), vivid nightmares, even symptoms similar to PTSD.¹ In one study of 135 online postings, 81% of people reported psychological distress like panic, intrusive thoughts, and constant fear tied to bed bug experiences.²

A large case-control study in Ohio found that patients who had bed bug infestations were more likely to have insomnia, anxiety, and elevated stress (even when accounting for other factors like age, sex, and socioeconomics) than people without infestations.³ People already vulnerable—those with fewer financial resources, pre-existing mental health issues, or limited ability to treat the infestation—are often hardest hit and may face lingering emotional effects even after the bugs are gone.⁴

Common Emotional & Psychological Effects

• Sleep disturbances: difficulty falling or staying asleep, waking up frequently, nightmares.

• Anxiety & Hypervigilance: constantly checking beds, furniture; fear of traveling or staying in new places.

• Shame & Social Withdrawal: embarrassment, avoiding visitors, hiding the problem.

• Depression & Mood Changes: feeling hopeless, overwhelmed, or angry.

• Impact on Daily Function: trouble concentrating, feeling “not quite safe” in one’s home, disrupted routines.

What Helps — Steps Toward Support & Relief

1. Take swift action on the infestation. Even seeing small progress (e.g. a verified company treating key areas) often helps reduce anxiety. The sense of control matters.

2. Reach out for help. Talk to someone you trust—friend, family member—even sharing what you’re experiencing can lighten the load.

3. Professional support: If anxiety, sleeplessness, nightmares persist, consider speaking with a therapist. Treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are helpful for trauma-like symptoms.

4. Routine & Self-Care: good sleep hygiene, calming bedtime routines, mindfulness or relaxation techniques. These may not eliminate the infestation, but they help reduce stress.

5. Use accurate information: knowing how bed bugs behave, what treatment looks like, and what is myth vs reality helps reduce fear.

Why You’re Not Alone

It’s very common for people to feel shame or believe they “brought it on” themselves, but infestations happen for many reasons (travel, shared living, furniture, etc.). The emotional impact is real—and often under-recognized. The good news: many people find their mental health improves substantially after effective treatment.⁵

References

1. Goddard J, deShazo R. Psychological effects of bed bug attacks (Cimex lectularius L.). Am J Med. 2012;125(1):101-103. (PubMed)

2. Study of online postings analyzed for psychological distress among bed bug victims. (PubMed)

3. Associations Between Bed Bugs and Mental Illness Among Emergency Department Patients — Mayo Clinic / PMC article. (PMC)

4. Extension & public health materials noting that lower income, prior mental illness, and housing instability exacerbate emotional harms. (PMC)

5. Some evidence from studies and patient reports that mental health symptoms dissipate after infestation is resolved. (Business Insider)

Closing Thought

If you’re reading this and feeling overwhelmed, torn between wanting rest and feeling powerless—know that your feelings are valid. Bed bug issue isn’t just skin-deep; it can touch every corner of your life. But help does exist. Taking steps—big or small—toward treatment, accurate information, and emotional support can begin to restore your peace. Your home should feel safe. You deserve a space where you can finally sleep without fear. Peace out.