0382 BED PARTNER ACCOMMODATION OF INSOMNIA IN TREATMENT-SEEKING COUPLES

Abstract

Introduction: Insomnia is largely seen as an individual condition despite the fact ∼ 60% of Australian adults sleep with a partner. Emerging evidence shows that bed partners affect clients' insomnia (e.g., mismatched bed/wake times in couples). However, no data exist documenting the specific behaviours in which partners of individuals with insomnia engage. Research in other disorders (e.g., OCD) indicates partners can inadvertently reinforce maladaptive behaviours, and thus interventions should address partner behaviours. We provide initial data on bed partner accommodation in insomnia. Methods: Thirty-one partners (14F, 20-76 years) of individuals seeking treatment for insomnia completed baseline questionnaires as part of an ongoing RCT investigating partner-assisted insomnia interventions. We identified partner accommodation using the Family Accommodation Scale (FAS). Partners and clients completed the Beck Anxiety Inventory, Patient Health Questionnaire, and Dyadic Adjustment Scale. To assess insomnia, clients completed the Insomnia Severity Index and a sleep diary at baseline. Results: Three-quarters of partners encouraged early bed or late wake times, 65% adjusted their own sleep, and 42% reported client distress when assistancewas not given. Forty-eight percent adjusted their family routine, 35% encouraged naps, caffeine or reducing daytime activities, and 52% modified leisure activities in response to the client's insomnia. Sixteen percent modified their work schedule, and 10%encouraged the client to take sleep medication or alcohol. Partner accommodation was not linked to client insomnia severity. Exploratory analyses found partner accommodation was linked to better client relationship satisfaction (rs = .35, p = .053), but more partner anxiety (rs = .38, p = .033). Conclusion: Results indicate bed partners of individuals with insomnia engage in a range of accommodating behaviours, some of which occur at high rates and are contrary to CBTI recommendations. Partner accommodation was not linked to client insomnia. It is possible that the FAS lacks sensitivity to adequately detect partner accommodation, and/or there are ceiling effects to insomnia severity limiting the ability to detect a relationship. More data is needed to determine whether insomnia interventions may further benefit clients and their partners by proactively assessing and addressing bed partner behaviours in treatment.