Related Experiment Videos
Ironic effects of sleep urgency
M E Ansfield1, D M Wegner, R Bowser
1Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville 22903, USA. mea2z@virginia.edu; dwegner@virginia.edu
Behaviour Research and Therapy
|July 1, 1996
Summary
Trying to fall asleep quickly can backfire, especially with high mental distractions. This study found that attempting to sleep fast under high mental load paradoxically increased sleep onset latency.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sleep Science
Background:
- The desire to fall asleep quickly can sometimes be counterproductive.
- Ironic process theory suggests that attempting to suppress a thought can make it more intrusive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of mental load on sleep onset latency when individuals are instructed to fall asleep quickly versus whenever they desire.
- To examine the applicability of ironic process theory to sleep onset.
Main Methods:
- Participants were normal sleepers instructed to fall asleep quickly or at will.
- Mental load was manipulated using high-load ( Sousa marches) or low-load (new age music) auditory stimuli.
- Sleep onset latency was measured under different conditions.
Main Results:
- Under low mental load, participants trying to fall asleep quickly achieved sleep faster than those attempting to sleep at will.
- Under high mental load, participants trying to fall asleep quickly had a longer sleep onset latency compared to those sleeping at will.
- Results support the ironic process theory of mental control in the context of sleep.
Conclusions:
- The intention to fall asleep quickly can hinder sleep onset, particularly under conditions of high mental load.
- Ironic processes may play a significant role in sleep difficulties.
- Mindfulness and relaxation techniques may be more effective for managing sleep onset latency than trying to force sleep.