Sleep state misperception

Overview

EEG showing Stage 1 sleep

Sleep state misperception, also known as paradoxical insomnia, is a condition where individuals perceive their sleep as inadequate or insufficient despite objective evidence of normal sleep patterns. This condition is characterized by a discrepancy between the subjective experience of sleep and the objective findings from sleep studies, such as polysomnography.

Characteristics

Individuals with sleep state misperception often report feeling as though they have not slept at all or have slept very little, even when sleep studies show normal sleep architecture. This can lead to significant distress and anxiety about sleep, which may exacerbate the perception of poor sleep quality.

Symptoms

- Perception of little or no sleep - Daytime fatigue - Anxiety about sleep - Difficulty concentrating

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of sleep state misperception typically involves a comprehensive sleep evaluation, including a detailed sleep history and polysomnography. During polysomnography, various physiological parameters are monitored, including electroencephalography (EEG), which can reveal normal sleep stages despite the patient's perception of insomnia.

Causes

The exact cause of sleep state misperception is not well understood. It is believed to involve a combination of psychological and physiological factors. Some researchers suggest that heightened arousal or anxiety may play a role, as well as potential abnormalities in the perception of sleep-wake states.

Treatment

Treatment for sleep state misperception often involves cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), which can help patients reframe their perceptions of sleep and reduce anxiety related to sleep. Relaxation techniques and sleep hygiene education are also commonly used to improve sleep quality and perception.

Related pages

• Insomnia
• Polysomnography
• Sleep architecture
• Electroencephalography