Sleep problems and sleep hygiene in young adults with alexithymia

The present study examined the relationship between alexithymia and self-reported sleep problems and the influence of sleep hygiene on sleep problems. The 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale and the Sleep Problems Inventory were administered to a non-clinical sample of 2045 young adults. Alexithymic individuals (N = 228) scored significantly higher than non-alexithymic individuals (N = 228) on sleep symptoms associated with insomnia, excessive sleepiness, sleepwalking, and nightmares. These differences could not be attributed to poor sleep hygiene behaviours or differences in general mood. The association between alexithymia and sleep disorder symptoms may reflect either the presence of subjective sleep problems or a preoccupation with sleep-related symptomatology.