A Study on the Practice and Effects of Sleep Hygiene

Choi, Y K; Kim, L; Suh, K Y; Shin, D K

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The authors investigated the practice of sleep hygiene and its effectiveness in general population who had experienced insomnia. If we find the items which be little practiced but especially effective, we would establish empirical an and theoretical basis to design the treatment program for insomnia, therefore apply it in clinical practice.
METHODS
The 226 subjects who had experienced insomnia, were at the age above 18 in Seoul, Korea. The questionnaire included the demographic data, the experience of insomnia, and the practices and effects of sleep hygiene instruction. The interview was administered face to face by the investigators.
RESULTS
The subjects reported that they practiced many of the sleep hygiene items related with arousal in sleep setting and that those items were effective. The items such as 'get regular exercise each day(H)','take a hot bath(H)','concentrate on the pleasant feeling of relaxation(A)' were not usually practiced, but these items were reported very effective for sleep.
CONCLUSION
The findings suggested that there were sleep hygiene items which should be educated and directed to practice actively in treatment program for insomniacs. Some items, which were especially reported low practice but highly effective, would be recommended to be studied each therapeutic effectiveness in follow-up studies.