A natural tendency to self-restrict time in bed may prevent 70% to 80% of individuals with new onset insomnia (acute insomnia) from developing chronic insomnia, according to preliminary findings from a Penn Medicine study (abstract #0508) presented at SLEEP 2016.

For example, if someone goes to sleep at 11 PM and wakes up at 5 AM (versus an intended 7:30 AM), they start their day, rather than lie awake in bed.

Electing to stay awake (rather than staying in bed trying to sleep) is not only a productive strategy for an individual with acute insomnia, but is also one that is formally deployed as part of cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic insomnia.

Read more at sleepreviewmag.com