Sleep-related maladaptive beliefs

Sleep-related maladaptive beliefs are psychological constructs encompassing unrealistic expectations, excessive worry, and faulty attributions about sleep and its consequences, frequently found in individuals with insomnia[1][2][3][4]. These beliefs can perpetuate sleep disturbance by increasing anxiety, rumination, and engagement in behaviors that interfere with sleep[1][3]. Common examples include beliefs such as "I must get 8 hours of sleep every night" or "One poor night's sleep will ruin the rest of the week"[1][3]. These constructs are measured using validated scales, such as the Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep Scale (DBAS)[1][2]. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) targets these maladaptive beliefs to improve sleep outcomes[1][3][4]. Sleep-related maladaptive beliefs are not molecular or cellular therapeutic targets; rather, they are cognitive phenomena that can be modified by psychological interventions.

Other names

Dysfunctional beliefs about sleepunhelpful sleep-related beliefssleep-related cognitive distortions