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Control and coping in chronic insomnia: a daily diary study.
Norah Vincent1, Kate Walsh, Depeng Chiang
1Department of Clinical Health Psychology, University of Manitoba, Canada. NVincent@exchange.hsc.mb.ca
Behaviour Research and Therapy
|March 19, 2013
Summary
Perceived control over sleep significantly predicts better sleep quality. However, accommodative coping strategies in chronic insomnia may worsen next-day mood and do not improve sleep.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sleep Science
- Behavioral Medicine
Background:
- Chronic insomnia affects a significant portion of the adult population.
- Understanding the interplay between cognitive factors and sleep is crucial for effective interventions.
- Previous research has explored various factors influencing sleep, but the dynamic relationship between perceived control and coping strategies requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the daily relationships between perceived control over sleep, coping strategies (assimilative and accommodative), and subjective sleep quality in adults with chronic insomnia.
- To examine the lagged effects of perceived control and coping on subsequent sleep, mood, and fatigue.
- To determine if coping strategies mediate the relationship between perceived control and sleep outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A 7-day daily diary study was conducted with 45 adults diagnosed with chronic insomnia.
- Participants completed self-report measures assessing perceived control over sleep, general fatigue, mood, and sleep quality daily.
- Mixed-effects modeling was employed to analyze the lagged associations between daily variables.
Main Results:
- Perceived control over sleep was a significant predictor of improved next-day sleep quality.
- In individuals with more chronic insomnia presentations, perceived control predicted next-day accommodative coping.
- Accommodative coping was associated with worsened mood and no sleep improvement the following day.
Conclusions:
- Perceived control over sleep appears to be a leading factor that influences sleep outcomes, rather than a consequence of them.
- The findings suggest that accommodative coping strategies may be detrimental for individuals with chronic insomnia, potentially exacerbating negative mood.
- Interventions aimed at improving sleep in chronic insomnia patients should focus on enhancing perceived control and discouraging maladaptive coping mechanisms like accommodative coping.
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