Sleep dysfunction in social anxiety disorder.
Roni Oren-Yagoda1, Adi Tene1, Idan M Aderka1
1School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Israel.
The British Journal of Clinical Psychology
|March 27, 2025
Summary
Individuals with social anxiety disorder (SAD) experience poorer sleep. Daily sleep quality and duration impact anxiety levels, suggesting sleep interventions may help manage SAD symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Sleep Medicine
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Anxiety disorders commonly co-occur with sleep disturbances.
- Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is frequently associated with sleep issues.
- Understanding this comorbidity is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sleep dysfunction differences between individuals with and without SAD.
- To explore the daily temporal relationship between sleep quality and anxiety.
- To identify potential targets for therapeutic interventions in SAD.
Main Methods:
- Eighty-seven participants (44 with SAD, 43 without) completed a 21-day daily diary.
- Participants recorded daily anxiety levels and sleep quality.
- Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) analyzed the data.
Main Results:
- Individuals with SAD reported significantly poorer sleep across all metrics.
- Sleep duration and anxiety exhibited reciprocal daily effects.
- Poorer sleep quality and longer time to fall asleep predicted increased subsequent anxiety.
Conclusions:
- Sleep disturbances play a significant role in maintaining social anxiety.
- Interventions targeting sleep duration, quality, and sleep onset latency may alleviate SAD symptoms.
- Further research into sleep-focused treatments for SAD is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Social Anxiety Disorder
19
Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is characterized by an intense fear of social situations where one might face humiliation, rejection, embarrassment, or negative evaluation. This disorder leads individuals to avoid activities like casual conversations, public speaking, or seemingly simple tasks such as eating, signing documents, or swimming, in public settings. Its impact extends beyond discomfort, often significantly interfering with daily functioning and quality of life.
19
01:15REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
123
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...
RBD is significantly associated with...
123
01:27Insomnia
78
Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, and waking up too early without being able to return to sleep. People with insomnia often experience these disruptions at least three nights a week for at least one month. Chronic insomnia, which lasts for at least three months, can lead to increased anxiety, which in turn can worsen sleep difficulties, creating a cycle of sleeplessness and stress.
Multiple factors contribute...
Multiple factors contribute...
78
01:18Anxiety: Overview
236
Anxiety is a common mental disorder featuring excessive worry, fear, and apprehension, significantly affecting daily life. People with anxiety disorders experience persistent and intense anxiety, interrupting their everyday functioning.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
236
01:24Sleep-Wake Cycles
1.2K
Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
1.2K
01:30Generalized Anxiety Disorder
41
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a chronic condition characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry that persists for at least six months, significantly interfering with daily functioning. Unlike situational anxiety, which arises in response to specific stressors, GAD often occurs without a clear cause. Individuals may experience disproportionate worry about work, health, or relationships. For instance, a person might continuously fear poor health despite normal medical evaluations or...
41