![]() In practice, the cognitive behavioural model of insomnia provides a good framework for identifying anxious thoughts and biased beliefs of insomniacs as well as counterproductive behaviours. The unfortunate consequence of this sequence of events is that the excessive and escalating anxiety culminates in a real deficit in sleep and daytime functioning. Erroneous beliefs about sleep and sleep disorders (for instance, attributing excessively grave consequences to the sleep problem).Safety behaviour (including attempted thought control, anxiety control, sleep quantity and quality control).Overestimating the extent of sleep deficit and impaired daytime functioning.Selective attention and frequent monitoring of the cues of sleep-related threats.Excessive daytime sleep and night-time worries and anxiety related to sleep.The model focuses on the following cognitive and behavioural processes: These processes occur regardless of the initial cause of insomnia. On the basis of the cognitive theories of anxiety, Harvey proposes a cognitive behavioural model of insomnia, which adequately explains the psychological processes that feed the vicious cycle of insomnia and the mechanisms of chronic insomnia development (10). Psychological interventions for insomnia aim to break this vicious circle.Ī number of models have been proposed to explain the pathophysiology of insomnia (9–11), focusing on the core concept of insomnia being associated with hyperarousal (12). In the resulting situation, increasing preoccupation with the problem of sleep as well as deliberate efforts for solving it seems to move the person further away from the solution (8). In its turn, the latter intensifies sleep-related worries and anxiety. Chronic insomniacs describe their condition as a vicious circle, which means that the increased effort they put in sleeping more and preventing daytime fatigue will often actually aggravate insomnia. People suffering from insomnia also tend to be extremely concerned about the quality of their sleep and the daytime consequences of insufficient sleep. The duration of sleep and the time it takes people suffering from insomnia to fall asleep are often within the normal range, but they significantly underestimate the number of sleep hours and overestimate the time it takes them to fall sleep (7). The main symptom of insomnia is sleep-related stress and dissatisfaction experienced regardless of the actual amount or quality of sleep. This article aims to provide an overview of the psychological mechanisms of the onset and development of insomnia as well as to introduce psychological interventions in the treatment of insomnia. ![]() In case people suffering from insomnia do not have sufficient information about treatment options, they tend to resort to alcohol consumption to suppress the symptoms, for instance (6). This is a disorder which significantly impairs the quality of life and functioning in general, which increases the risk of developing mental health disorders, among other things (5). Insomnia should not go unnoticed, and it requires evidence-based intervention. Insomnia often accompanies anxiety and mood disorders (4). Insomnia can occur on its own or in combination with other health conditions.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |