Sleep-related metacognitions in inpatients with mental disorders

Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2025 Aug 5. doi: 10.1007/s00406-025-02073-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Sleep difficulties are a well-known issue among patients with mental disorders. Sleep related metacognitions often play a role in the etiology of sleep disturbances. This study examined the role of sleep-related metacognitions in a sample of psychiatric inpatients.

METHODS: A total of 75 patients admitted to the psychiatric clinic of the Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH) in Mannheim, Germany, were included in the study. The participants completed a series of psychometric questionnaires, including the Metacognitive Questionnaire for Insomnia (MCQ-I 20), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI).

RESULTS: The psychiatric patient sample exhibited significantly elevated scores on the MCQ-I 20 when compared to a healthy control group and demonstrated comparable scores to a group of insomnia patients. Sleep-related metacognitions in the psychiatric patient sample correlated significantly with increased depression levels and insomnia symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study provide evidence that sleep-related metacognitions play a role in the etiology of sleep problems in patients with mental disorders.

PMID:40762712 | DOI:10.1007/s00406-025-02073-1