A polysomnographic investigation of the relationship between self-reported anxiety sensitivity and rapid eye movement sleep fragmentation

Abstract

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is reported to play several roles in cognitive, memory, and emotion-related processes, and to be sensitive to the effects of anxiety-related disorders. The impact that anxiety sensitivity (AS; i.e. one’s susceptibility to experience beliefs that anxious symptoms will generate harmful physical, cognitive, or social consequences) might have on REM sleep has seldom been investigated. This study explored the relationship between AS (global and subtypes) and REM fragmentation. Fifty-six participants were included in main analyses; polysomnograms were conducted to obtain REM fragmentation data, and the ASI-3 was administered to assess AS. Although global AS was not predictive of higher REM fragmentation, some AS subtypes were significantly linked with the outcomes. Overall, findings suggest that subtypes of AS may be better predictors of overall sleep dysfunction. Further investigating specific components of AS and their influence on sleep may assist with improving psychological treatment interventions designed for sleep.