Sleep reactivity as a mediator in the relationship between trait mindfulness and insomnia: a correlational study

Objectives: Previous research has established the beneficial effects of mindfulness practices on reducing insomnia, primarily through the alleviation of psychological stress. However, the specific role of sleep reactivity - a sleep-focused component of stress reactivity - has not been thoroughly explored. This study aims to investigate the mediating role of sleep reactivity in the relationship between dispositional mindfulness facets and insomnia symptoms. Methods: A total of 359 participants completed an online survey assessing mindfulness facets (namely, Observing, Describing, Acting with awareness, Non-judging of inner experiences, Non-reactivity to inner experiences), sleep reactivity, and insomnia severity. Structural equation modeling was used to assess direct and indirect paths from the five mindfulness facets to the outcome variable (insomnia severity) via the mediator variable (sleep reactivity). Results: The results indicate that while the Observing facet of mindfulness was associated with increased insomnia severity through heightened sleep reactivity, the Non-judging and Non-reactivity facets contributed to decreased insomnia symptoms by reducing sleep reactivity. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for improved measurements to assess the monitoring aspect of mindfulness and highlight the protective role of dispositional mindfulness, particularly its acceptance-related component. Furthermore, they suggest that mindfulness training may serve as a preventive measure for individuals vulnerable to stress-induced insomnia.