Is perfectionism related to pre-existing and future insomnia? A prospective study.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of perfectionism to pre-existing and future insomnia.

METHODS

Based on a random sample from the general population (N=3600), 1936 participants filled out a baseline and 1-year follow-up survey on perfectionism (concern over mistakes and personal standards), emotional distress and insomnia.

RESULTS

The results from sequential logistic regression analyses showed that concern over mistakes was significantly related to pre-existing and future insomnia. When emotional distress was accounted for, none of the perfectionism subscales contributed significantly in explaining pre-existing and future insomnia.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that though perfectionism seems to be related to both pre-existing and future insomnia, its role seems relatively weak.