| Abstract: | Examined the auditory awakening thresholds (AATs), the latency for return to sleep (LRS) after awakening, and the degree to which these variables were mediated by stress in 10 psychophysiologic insomniac, 9 subjective insomniac, and 22 noninsomniac university students. Each S took 3 afternoon naps in a sleep research laboratory while multiple electrophysiological measures were taken. Subjective measures of sleep and 3 measures of stress included an initial interview, completion of a life experiences survey, administration of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory before each nap, and completion of a questionnaire postnap. During the 3rd nap, each S was awakened during Stage 2 sleep by an ascending series of tones. There were no significant differences between groups in AATs, but the psychophysiologic insomniacs had a significantly longer LRS following awakening than did the noninsomniacs. AATs were related to initial heart rate, but LRS was significantly related to all stress measures. Results point to the role of stress as a mediator of LRS and, possibly, of AATs. (29 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
