ANXIETY AND FEAR IN RELATION TO SLEEP AND NEUROPHYSIOLOGY IN A SAMPLE OF COLLEGE STUDENTS

Abstract

Long-term poor sleep contributes to the development and maintenance of chronic disease and physical and mental health challenges. Researchers have sought to understand the myriad of factors that influence sleep behavior, given that sleep difficulties are both a risk factor for, and a consequence of, an array of challenges. Neurobiological research with animal behavior has aided our understanding of the development and maintenance of sleep problems in humans. Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST) has been utilized to examine differences in sleep-related disorders in both animal and human models. RST consists of distinct neurophysiological systems that relate to approach and withdrawal behaviors, including the Behavioral Activation (BAS) and Behavioral Inhibition (BIS) Systems. As measured by EEG, previous research has demonstrated that BAS is associated with left frontal alpha activity and approach behavior, while BIS is associated with right frontal activity and withdrawal behavior. Further, previous research has linked elevated BIS with emotional dysregulation and poor sleep. Recent data highlighted the need to bifurcate the BIS scale to accurately represent the neurophysiological and behavioral differences in anxiety and fear. Exploring this further, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among the BIS subscales, frontal baseline EEG asymmetry, sleep, and personality in a population of 75 university students. BIS-Anxiety and BIS-Fear were hypothesized to be positively correlated with greater right-than-left anterior EEG activation at baseline. Also, it was hypothesized that the BIS subscales would be positively correlated with insomnia. Lastly, it was hypothesized that the BIS subscales would be positively correlated with dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep. These hypotheses were partially supported. The results suggest that BIS subscales relate to insomnia, personality characteristics, dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep, and gender, but not to baseline frontal asymmetry. The results may be of assistance in the identification, diagnosis, and psychosocial treatment of individuals whose sleep may be affected by anxiety or fear.