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REM sleep as a potential indicator of hyperarousal in psychophysiological and paradoxical insomnia sufferers

Alexandra D Pérusse1, Maude Pedneault-Drolet1, Christine Rancourt1

  • 1École de psychologie, 2325 rue des Bibliothèques, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada; Laboratoire de sommeil et potentiels évoqués cognitifs, 2525 chemin de la Canardière, Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Québec, Québec, QC,G1J 2G2, Canada.

International Journal of Psychophysiology : Official Journal of the International Organization of Psychophysiology
|January 18, 2015
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

REM sleep macrostructure doesn't indicate hyperarousal in insomnia. However, REM sleep wake intrusions may differentiate insomnia types, reflecting heightened arousal in psychophysiological insomnia.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Insomnia is often characterized by hyperarousal.
  • REM sleep alterations are explored as potential biomarkers for hyperarousal.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate REM sleep macrostructure and microstructure as indicators of hyperarousal in insomnia.
  • To compare good sleepers (GS) with psychophysiological insomnia (PSY-I) and paradoxical insomnia (PARA-I).

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study comparing GS, PSY-I, and PARA-I groups.
  • Polysomnography (PSG) recorded over 4 nights in a laboratory setting.
  • Analysis of REM sleep macrostructure and microstructure.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in REM sleep macrostructure between groups.
  • PSY-I exhibited a higher number of REM sleep wake intrusions compared to PARA-I (p=.03).
  • REM sleep duration and proportion correlated with subjective sleep efficiency, total sleep time, and total wake time.

Conclusions:

  • REM sleep macrostructure is not a reliable indicator of hyperarousal in insomnia.
  • REM sleep wake intrusions may help differentiate PSY-I from PARA-I, suggesting heightened arousal in PSY-I.
  • Further research is needed to identify specific hyperarousal markers and differentiate insomnia subtypes.
Keywords:
ArousalsHyperarousalInsomniaMacrostructureMicrostructureREM sleep

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