Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 10, 2026

Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Symptoms in Depression
Published on: April 26, 2024
You Are at Risk of Insomnia When You Do Not Accept Your Pre-Sleep Arousal: A Cross-Sectional Study Investigating the
Marco Fabbri1, Marco Mirolli2, Monica Martoni3
1Department of Psychology Renzo Canestrari, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy.
Background/Objectives:
Psychophysiological insomnia is characterized by acquired sleep difficulties and/or a state of hyperarousal when falling asleep. This hyperarousal can develop and/or maintain insomnia. In contrast, mindfulness can reduce stress and improve sleep. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the relationship between mindfulness traits (acceptance and awareness), pre-sleep arousal (cognitive and somatic) states, and insomnia symptoms.
Methods:
A sample of 464 non-clinical volunteers (352 females; mean age 27.89 ± 9.48 years) participated in this online cross-sectional study, completing the Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale (PHLMS), Pre-Sleep Arousal State (PSAS), and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI).
Results:
The acceptance component of mindfulness but not awareness negatively correlated with ISI, as well as PSAS subscales. In a mediation model, acceptance was associated with ISI both directly and indirectly, through associations with cognitive arousal and somatic arousal.
Conclusions:
This study suggests a possible mechanism by which mindfulness works to influence sleep processes. In particular, acceptance can reduce pre-sleep arousal, reducing the possibility of developing and/or maintaining insomnia symptoms.
Related Concept Videos
Insomnia
Multiple factors contribute...
Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Management of Insomnia
Sleep-Wake Cycles
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Cause and Effect

