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.
Shorter Time in Bed May Protect Against Chronic Insomnia
