In generalized anxiety disorder, polysomnography is characterized by which of the following?

In generalized anxiety disorder, polysomnography is characterized by which of the following?

• A. Increased stage 1 non-REM sleep
• B. Increased REM density
• C. Quick onset of sleep
• D. All of the above

Answer: (A)

Hyperarousal in generalized anxiety disorder tends to push sleep toward lighter stages rather than deeper, more restorative sleep. On polysomnography, this shows up as an increase in time spent in non-REM stage 1, the lightest sleep stage, reflecting difficulty staying asleep and more frequent awakenings. REM density is not a characteristic feature of GAD and is more often associated with mood disorders; a quick onset of sleep is typical of narcolepsy or significant sleep deprivation, not GAD. So the best-fit finding is increased stage 1 non-REM sleep.

Hyperarousal in generalized anxiety disorder tends to push sleep toward lighter stages rather than deeper, more restorative sleep. On polysomnography, this shows up as an increase in time spent in non-REM stage 1, the lightest sleep stage, reflecting difficulty staying asleep and more frequent awakenings. REM density is not a characteristic feature of GAD and is more often associated with mood disorders; a quick onset of sleep is typical of narcolepsy or significant sleep deprivation, not GAD. So the best-fit finding is increased stage 1 non-REM sleep.