Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026

Association Between Sleep Quality and Cognitive Symptoms in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder
Published on: April 26, 2024
The relationship between sensory processing patterns and sleep quality in healthy adults
Batya Engel-Yeger1, Tamar Shochat
1Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel 31905, Israel. batya@research.haifa.ac.il
Background:
Sleep quality affects a person's performance and quality of life. Poor sleep was recently associated with hyperarousability and difficulties in processing sensory input.
Purpose:
To examine the relationships between sensory-processing difficulties (SPD) and sleep quality in healthy adults.
Methods:
The 185 participants, aged 21 to 60 (mean 33.64 +/- 8.69), completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).
Findings:
Sleep quality significantly correlated with sensory-processing patterns characterized by hypersensitivity. These patterns were manifested in specific modalities (tactile, visual, and auditory), which significantly predicted sleep quality.
Implications:
Sleep quality may be related to predisposing, sensory-processing patterns, particularly to hypersensitivity. Occupational therapists should refer to the possible relationship between SPD and sleep quality when treating individuals with SPD or poor sleepers. This may assist in implementing the optimal intervention based on the person's specific needs and contribute to performance and quality of life.
Related Concept Videos
Understanding Sleep
The circadian rhythm, a nearly 24-hour cycle, is deeply influenced by environmental light cues. Light exposure directly affects the hypothalamus, which in turn regulates...
Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Sleep-Wake Cycles
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
Stages of Sleep
Before sleep begins, in wakefulness, the brain exhibits primarily beta waves, which are high in frequency and low in amplitude, indicating alertness...
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
RBD is significantly associated with...
Insomnia
Multiple factors contribute...

