Cognitive-behavioural factors that predict sleep disturbance 4 years later

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sleep Science
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Background:

• Cognitive models identify factors maintaining sleep disturbance.
• The role of these factors in the initial onset of sleep disturbance is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if cognitive-behavioral factors predict the onset of sleep disturbance.
• To examine ruminative style, somatic sensitivity, and behavioral avoidance as predictors of sleep disturbance onset over four years.

Main Methods:

• A large cohort (n=4,042) was assessed.
• Measures included Somatic Sensitivity, Ruminative Style Scale, Behavioral Inhibition Scale, and sleep-related items from the Goldberg Depression and Anxiety Scale.

Main Results:

• All three cognitive-behavioral factors (somatic sensitivity, ruminative style, behavioral avoidance) significantly predicted sleep disturbance at four-year follow-up.
• Somatic sensitivity (OR=1.427) and ruminative style (OR=1.035) independently predicted sleep disturbance onset.

Conclusions:

• Ruminative style and somatic sensitivity are independently predictive of sleep disturbance onset.
• These factors support the constructs as predisposing cognitive-behavioral risk factors for sleep disturbance.