Exploring the Interplay of Insomnia, Depression and Mediating Factors: An analysis of Pre-Sleep Arousal and Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep

Author: Emanuel Barbolovici

Abstract:

This study delves into the relationship between insomnia and depression, examining the mediating roles of pre-sleep arousal and dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep. The research aims to contribute insights on mediating factors that might partially explain the relationship between insomnia and depression. The comprehensive investigation involved an examination of the direct and indirect effects of insomnia on depression. Utilising self-reported questionnaires, the study explored the mediating impact of both Pre-Sleep Arousal (PSA) and dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep (DBAS) among 362 Dutch participants.  Three hypotheses were formulated. Insomnia (x) has a positive effect (c) on depression (y) (H1). PSA(M1) mediates the relationship between insomnia (x) and depression (y) (H2). DBAS (M2) mediates the relationship between insomnia (x) and depression (y) (H3). Two mediation analyses were run showing significant partial mediations for both PSA and DBAS. All hypotheses were confirmed. Limitations include the lack of differentiation in subscales for PSA and HADS, restricting a nuanced understanding of influential factors. Additionally, the use of questionnaires raises questions about the generalizability of the findings to clinical populations. Future research should consider physiological measures alongside self-reported data. The study advocates for the consideration of further research about pre-sleep arousal and dysfunctional beliefs when treating individuals with both insomnia and depression. These mediating variables hold promise in disrupting the connection between these common syndromes. The findings call for further clinical implementations and additional research funding to replicate and explore these connections more specifically and in greater detail.