University of Sussex
Browse
ORCHARD_Journal_of_Sleep_Research_JUL_2021.pdf (927.59 kB)

Do non-pharmacological sleep interventions affect anxiety symptoms? A meta-analysis

Download (927.59 kB)
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-10, 00:30 authored by Alex Catherine Staines, Niall Broomfield, Laura Pass, Faith OrchardFaith Orchard, Jessica Bridges
Research indicates a bidirectional relationship between sleep and anxiety, with findings suggesting anxiety can precede poor sleep and vice versa. Evidence suggests sleep-related thought processes associated with anxiety are involved in the maintenance of insomnia. Previous meta-analyses provide some evidence to suggest cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia moderately improves anxiety, yet little research has investigated the effect of other sleep interventions on anxiety symptoms. The aim of this meta-analysis was to review whether non-pharmacological sleep interventions have an impact on anxiety symptoms immediately post-intervention. A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted to identify all randomized control trials (RCTs) investigating non-pharmacological sleep interventions that included anxiety symptoms as an outcome. Forty-three RCTs (n = 5945) met full inclusion criteria and were included in a random-effects meta-analysis model. The combined effect size of non-pharmacological sleep interventions on anxiety symptoms was moderate (Hedges’ g = -0.38), indicating a reduction in symptoms. Subgroup analyses found a moderate effect for those with additional physical health difficulties (g = -0.46), a moderate effect for those with additional mental health difficulties (g = -0.47) and a moderate effect for those with elevated levels of anxiety at baseline (g = -0.43). A secondary meta-analysis found a large effect of non-pharmacological sleep interventions on sleep-related thought processes (g = -0.92). These findings indicate non-pharmacological sleep interventions are effective in reducing anxiety and sleep-related thought processes, and these effects may be larger in patients with anxiety. This has clinical implications for considering sleep interventions in the treatment of anxiety.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Accepted version

Journal

Journal of Sleep Research

ISSN

0962-1105

Publisher

Wiley

Issue

1

Volume

31

Department affiliated with

  • Psychology Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2021-08-03

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2022-07-31

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2021-08-02

Usage metrics

    University of Sussex (Publications)

    Categories

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC