Abstract
BACKGROUND: In laboratory studies, sleepiness has been found to increase dissociative symptoms. AIM: To explore the link between sleepiness and dissociation in a natural setting. METHOD: A longitudinal study was performed among volunteers at a pop festival. Information was collected via self-report scales at four successive test moments spread over a 12-hour period. RESULTS: Sleepiness was the only variable that could predict the increase in dissociative symptoms. This result was not mediated by a deteriorated mood. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that sleepiness intensifies dissociative symptoms, even if it occurs outside a laboratory environment. Studies focusing on sleep normalisation may provide insights into new ways of treating dissociative symptoms.
| Original language | English |
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| Pages (from-to) | 757-763 |
| Journal | Tijdschrift voor Psychiatrie |
| Volume | 53 |
| Issue number | 10 |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2011 |