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Original Articles

The role of neuroticism in insomnia

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Pages 116-124 | Received 23 May 2013, Accepted 24 Aug 2013, Published online: 09 Nov 2020
 

Abstract

Objectives

While it has been proposed that certain personality traits are predisposing factors for insomnia, the nature of these traits and mechanisms through which they contribute to insomnia has been understudied.

Methods

In the present study, 88 participants with self‐reported insomnia took part in an online assessment of normal personality functioning, insomnia severity, sleep‐related cognitive distortions, pre‐sleep arousal, and negative affect.

Results

Participants scored high on personality measures of neuroticism and openness, and low on conscientiousness, relative to a normal sample. Neuroticism was found to relate to insomnia severity through the mediating effects of sleep‐related cognitive distortions, pre‐sleep arousal, and to a much lesser degree negative affect.

Conclusions

These results further support the notion of neuroticism being a predisposing factor for insomnia, suggest a pathway for this relationship, and may have implications for individual responses to the treatment of insomnia.

Abstract

Funding: This study was funded by a research grant awarded by Deakin University.

Conflict of interest: None declared.

Funding: This study was funded by a research grant awarded by Deakin University.

Conflict of interest: None declared.

Acknowledgements

The researchers would like to thank Mr. Luke Barisic for programming the online assessment and Dr. Ben Richardson for providing statistical advice.

Notes

Funding: This study was funded by a research grant awarded by Deakin University.

Conflict of interest: None declared.

Additional information

Funding

Deakin University

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