Sleep state misperception

Though the sleep patterns found in those with SSM have long been considered indistinguishable from those without, some preliminary research suggest there may be subtle differences (see Symptoms and diagnosis: Spectral analysis).

"[1] The validity and reliability of sleep state misperception as a pertinent diagnosis has been questioned,[8] with studies finding poor empirical support.

[9] This sleep disorder frequently applies when patients report not feeling tired despite their subjective perception of not having slept.

[5] Observing such discrepancy between subjective and objective reports, clinicians may conclude that the perception of poor sleep is primarily illusionary.

The psychological profile of these chronic insomniacs with objective normal sleep duration is characterized by depressive, anxious-ruminative traits and poor coping resources.

But Andrew Krystal of Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, used spectral analysis to quantify just how much they were intruding.

[6]What is considered objective insomnia, unlike SSM, can easily be confirmed empirically through clinical testing, such as by polysomnogram.

[1] For patients with severe depression resulting from the fear of having insomnia, electroconvulsive therapy appears to be a safe and effective treatment.

[7] A subject who is not being monitored (by a recording or other observer) may not have a way to tell if a treatment is working properly due to the amnesic nature of SSM.

The condition may worsen as a result of persistent attempts to treat the symptoms through conventional methods of dealing with insomnia.

As of 2008, there is little to no information regarding risk factors or prevention,[1] though it is believed to be most prevalent among young to middle aged adults.