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Journal of Clinical and
Basic Psychosomatics Psychosomatic influences on insomnia

strategies provide a holistic framework for addressing complicate the regulation of sleep, leading to chronic sleep
psychosomatic insomnia, fostering both immediate relief disturbances. 148
and long-term resilience against sleep disturbances. Equally critical in understanding psychosomatic

4.4. Lifestyle modifications insomnia are the psychological mechanisms that influence
sleep quality. Cognitive factors, including heightened
Lifestyle modifications are an essential component of arousal, persistent worry about sleep, and maladaptive
treating psychosomatic insomnia. These changes aim to beliefs, contribute significantly to the disorder. These
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promote healthy sleep habits, reduce stress, and support psychological processes create a vicious cycle where
overall well-being. Good sleep hygiene practices are concerns about sleep exacerbate anxiety, leading to
foundational to managing insomnia. Going to bed and further disturbances in sleep. Emotional dysregulation,
waking up at the same time each day helps regulate the frequently observed in conditions such as anxiety and
body’s internal clock. The bedroom should be quiet, depression, plays a pivotal role in perpetuating insomnia.
dark, and cool, with a comfortable mattress and pillows. The bidirectional relationship between insomnia and these
Removing electronic devices from the bedroom can psychological disorders underscores the necessity for
also reduce exposure to blue light, which interferes with interventions that address both cognitive and emotional
melatonin production. 143 dimensions. CBT-I, in particular, has proven effective in
Other modifications include avoiding caffeine, disrupting this cycle by targeting maladaptive thought
nicotine, and alcohol, particularly in the hours leading up patterns and behaviors. 150
to bedtime, which can help prevent sleep disturbances. Compounding the challenge of insomnia are somatic
Regular physical activity has been shown to improve sleep mechanisms, as physical symptoms and chronic medical
quality and reduce symptoms of insomnia. Moderate conditions often contribute to sleep disturbances.
aerobic exercise, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, Conditions such as chronic pain, gastrointestinal issues,
can be particularly effective. 144-146 However, it is important and respiratory problems can lead to fragmented sleep
to avoid vigorous exercise close to bedtime, as it may and increased nighttime awakenings. The interplay
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increase arousal and make it difficult to fall asleep. Limiting between somatic complaints and psychological factors
activities that require intense cognitive engagement close establishes a feedback loop where physical discomfort
to bedtime, such as working, studying, or engaging in exacerbates psychological distress and vice versa. This
stimulating conversations, can help reduce cognitive interconnectedness highlights the importance of a
arousal and facilitate sleep onset. comprehensive treatment approach that addresses both the
physical and psychological dimensions of insomnia.
5. Discussion
To effectively diagnose insomnia, comprehensive
The examination of psychosomatic factors establishes and integrative diagnostic approaches are required
insomnia as a complex and multifaceted disorder, to recognize the complex interactions among these
characterized by the intricate interplay of neurobiological, mechanisms. Utilizing diagnostic criteria that encompass
psychological, and somatic mechanisms. Understanding both psychological and somatic factors is paramount.
these interconnections is crucial for accurate diagnosis and Assessment tools, including clinical interviews, sleep
effective treatment, as each mechanism contributes to the diaries, standardized questionnaires, and objective
persistence and severity of insomnia. measures such as polysomnography, play a vital role
At the core of psychosomatic insomnia are in accurately diagnosing psychosomatic insomnia. In
neurobiological mechanisms that play a pivotal role addition, differential diagnosis is crucial in distinguishing
in both the onset and perpetuation of this disorder. this condition from other sleep disorders, such as sleep
Dysregulation of the HPA axis, coupled with hyperactivity apnea or restless legs syndrome, which may present with
of the autonomic nervous system, emerges as a particularly similar symptoms but necessitate different treatment
significant factor. Chronic stress, a prevalent precursor strategies.
to insomnia, elevates levels of cortisol and other stress Treatment strategies for psychosomatic insomnia
hormones, thereby intensifying arousal and disrupting must be personalized and multifaceted, addressing the
the natural SWC. This heightened physiological arousal neurobiological, psychological, and somatic components
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perpetuates a state of hypervigilance, making it increasingly of the disorder. Psychological interventions, particularly
challenging to fall asleep and maintain restorative CBT-I, stand as the cornerstone of treatment, effectively
sleep. Moreover, disruptions in circadian rhythms often targeting maladaptive thoughts and behaviors contributing
exacerbated by stress and psychological distress further to insomnia. Pharmacological approaches, including

Volume 3 Issue 1 (2025) 42 doi: 10.36922/jcbp.4588