Work

No more counting sheep? Interoceptive not-distracting as a novel predictor of insomnia symptom severity in college students

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Study Objectives Emerging adults demonstrate vulnerability to pre-sleep arousal due to pervasive electronic device use, heightened rumination, and higher overall anxiety. To address this concern, this study sought to assess interoceptive awareness, a non-judgmental and trusting attitude toward body sensations that may reduce pre-sleep arousal, as a protective factor against insomnia symptoms during young adulthood. Methods and Measures We assessed the association between interoceptive awareness, pre-sleep arousal, and insomnia symptom severity using cross-sectional data from university students (N = 420) in the mid-Atlantic United States. Participants completed the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness-2, Pre-sleep Arousal Scale, and the Insomnia Severity Index. Data were analyzed using hierarchical linear and logistic regressions and a mediation analysis. Results The “not-distracting” factor emerged as the strongest interoceptive predictor of insomnia symptoms in emerging adults. When adjusting for mood and demographic covariates, not-distracting significantly predicted pre-sleep arousal (b* = −0.12, p < .001). In the mediation model, pre-sleep arousal (95% CI: −0.25, −0.11) mediated the association between not-distracting and insomnia symptoms. Not engaging in distraction from pain and discomfort was associated with lower insomnia symptom severity via lower levels of cognitive and physiological arousal before sleep. Conclusions Interoceptive not-distracting and pre-sleep arousal may be important factors to consider in the treatment of sleep disturbance in this age group. Findings suggest that specific training in interoceptive capacities could be a valuable addition to preventive interventions for sleep health in young adults. Statement of Significance Insomnia symptoms, which often involve cognitive and physiological arousal in the pre-sleep period, are common among young adults and may develop to clinically significant levels over the lifespan. This study is a novel assessment of interoceptive awareness in emerging adults as it relates to indicators of insomnia. Psychoeducation and training in interoceptive awareness, and particularly not-distracting, may be a valuable component of secondary interventions that limit the progression of insomnia.

Source: SLEEP Advances

DOI: 10.1093/sleepadvances/zpag062

Authors: Lara R LoBrutto, Natalie D Dautovich, Patricia A Kinser, Bruce Rybarczyk, Joseph Dzierzewski

Institutions: Virginia Commonwealth University, National Sleep Foundation

Language: English

Topic: Sleep and related disorders

Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,054