Measurement of subjective sleep characteristics of adult insomniacs

Abstract

This study had two purposes: (1) to examine the reliability and validity of the Verran and Snyder-Halpern (VSH) Sleep Scale in measuring the subjective sleep characteristics of nonhospitalized adult insomniacs, and (2) to explore the 16 characteristics of sleep quality examined by the scale as they relate to insomnia. In addition, a comparison of previously established norms in a healthy group of sleepers was made with the insomniac sample. The study utilized a descriptive design. The sample consisted of 33 adult insomniacs. Each participant completed the scale on three consecutive routine or workday mornings. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to evaluate the data. The VSH Sleep Scale evidenced adequate reliability and construct validity. Significant differences existed between the insomniacs and the healthy group on all but one sleep characteristic. The factors specified in the VSH Sleep Scale taxonomy remained essentially the same in the insomniac sample.