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Published on: May 4, 2020
Psychological inflexibility as a predictor associated with insomnia.
Renatha El Rafihi-Ferreira1, Ila Marques Porto Linares2, Léo Paulos-Guarnieri3
1Department of Clinical Psychology, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Psychological inflexibility is linked to severe insomnia, while anxiety and depression predict insomnia across all severity levels. Enhancing psychological flexibility may offer a low-cost approach to improving sleep quality and mental health.
Area of Science:
- Sleep Medicine
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder affecting millions globally.
- Psychological flexibility is an emerging area of interest in sleep disorder research.
- Understanding factors predicting insomnia severity is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate psychological flexibility as a predictor of insomnia presence and severity.
- To identify demographic and psychological factors associated with insomnia.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 2218 participants, including individuals with and without insomnia.
- Utilized DSM-5-based interviews and validated questionnaires (Insomnia Severity Index, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Acceptance Action Questionnaire-II).
- Employed linear regression and multinomial logistic regression analyses.
Main Results:
- Sex, depression, anxiety, and psychological inflexibility were identified as predictors of insomnia severity.
- Anxiety and depression were associated with all levels of insomnia.
- Psychological inflexibility was specifically linked to severe insomnia.
Conclusions:
- Psychological inflexibility, anxiety, and depression are significant factors in insomnia.
- Behavioral interventions targeting psychological flexibility may be a cost-effective strategy for managing insomnia.
- Improving sleep quality through psychological flexibility interventions can positively impact overall mental health.
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