Interpersonal factors in insomnia: A model for integrating bed partners into cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia

Available online 18 May 2012

In Press, Corrected Proof — Note to users

Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5B 2K3Received 29 September 2011. Revised 2 February 2012. Accepted 14 February 2012. Available online 18 May 2012.View full text Sleep has largely been conceptualized as an individual phenomenon, despite the fact that most adults share their bed with a partner at some time in their life. Only recently have researchers begun to examine the dyadic nature of sleep, and there is growing evidence that bed partners can play a role in the onset and maintenance of insomnia. Additionally, emerging evidence suggests that bed partners can be powerful agents of social control in terms of promoting adaptive health and sleep-related behaviors, and shared social rhythms between partners can help foster an environment that is conducive to good sleep. As such, the aim of the present article is to review the social context of the sleep environment and how best to include bed partners in insomnia treatment. Based on a synthesis of relevant literatures, a model for integrating bed partners into cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is presented and directions for future research are discussed.

prs.rt("abs_end");Insomnia; Sleep; Couple therapy; Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia; CBT-I; Partner-assisted

Figures and tables from this article:

Table 1. Questions to consider in conducting a clinical interview with the patient's partner.

View Within ArticleTable 2. Areas for integrating bed partner into partner-assisted version of CBT-I.

Note. Adapted from Edinger JD & Carney CE. Overcoming insomnia: A cognitive behavioral therapy approach. Therapist guide. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, USA 2008.

View Within ArticleCopyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

prs.rt('data_end');

View the original article here