Skip to Content
Interactive Textbook on Clinical Symptom Research Logo


Home Button

A Study of Insomnia and Sleep Loss
Author Bio
Part I
Part II
Using a Stress Framework
Protocol Design
Currently selected section: SNS Activation
Sleep Misperception and Loss
Insomnia and Performance Testing
Insomnia and Emotional Arousal
Yoked Control Design
Effects of Sleep Loss
Insomnia and Somatic Symptoms
Conclusion
 
 
 
 


Chapter 15: Challenges to the Study of Insomnia and Sleep Loss: Measurement and Evaluation of SNS Activation
        

Elevated levels of norepinephrine and cortisol, key stress hormones, have been observed in individuals with insomnia (Adam et al., 1986). Metabolic rate has been used as an overall indicator of stress activation, as the data in Figure 3.3.1 (Bonnet and Arand, 1995) illustrate. This figure represents data for overall metabolic rate (MR), and the MR during the sleep period and during SWS. Within each set, 8 of 10 t-values for the paired t-tests were significantly different.

Figure 3.3.1 Metabolic Rate Comparison in Subjects With and Without Psychophysiological-type Insomnia
Graphic depiction of metabolic rate comparison, described in text.

Adapted from Bonnet MH, Arand DL. 24-hour metabolic rate in insomniacs and matched normal sleepers. Sleep. 1995; 18:581-588.

SNS arousal generally elevates heart rate so one would suppose that this indicator would be different in comparing subjects with and without insomnia. From another study, Figures 3.3.2 (heart rate across the night as averaged for each hour) and 3.3.3 (heart rate change from baseline during a performance task) show heart rate data comparing adults with psychophysiological-type insomnia to people with no insomnia (Stepanski et al., 1994).

Figure 3.3.2: Heart Rate Across the Night as Averaged for Each Hour
Graphic depiction of heart rate across the night, described in text.

Source: Stepanski E, Glinn M, Zorick FJ, Roehrs T, Roth T. Heart rate changes in chronic insomnia. Stress Medicine1994, 10:261-266. John Wiley and Sons, Limited, Reproduced with permission.

Figure 3.3.3: Change in Heart Rate from Baseline During a Performance Task
Graphic depiction of change in heart rate, described in text.

Source: Stepanski E, Glinn M, Zorick FJ, Roehrs T, Roth T. Heart rate changes in chronic insomnia. Stress Medicine1994, 10:261-266. John Wiley and Sons, Limited, Reproduced with permission.

 

Page 21 of 33
      Previous Section