METRIC

Insomnia Severity Index

The Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) is a 7-item questionnaire that assesses sleep difficulties, satisfaction, and daily impairment, with scores ranging from 0 to 28. It is commonly used in research and clinical settings to screen for insomnia and monitor treatment progress.

TARGET:

OVERVIEW

The Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) is a 7-item self-report questionnaire used to assess the severity of insomnia symptoms. It evaluates difficulties with sleep onset, maintenance, and early awakening, as well as sleep satisfaction, daily impairment, and distress about sleep problems. Each item is rated on a 5-point scale, with total scores ranging from 0 to 28. Scores classify insomnia as none (0–7), mild (8–14), moderate (15–21), or severe (22–28). The ISI is widely used in research and clinical settings to screen for insomnia and track treatment progress.

MEASUREMENT

ASSESSMENT

QUESTIONNAIRE

Questionnaire Scores

Although evidence suggests a correlation between questionnaire scores and neurological health, it does not prove causality or guarantee brain health. Always consult a qualified medical practitioner before making any decisions regarding your health or lifestyle.

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BENCHMARKS

Benchmark Warning

These benchmarks are generalized and may vary based on individual factors such as genetics, stress levels, medications, or medical conditions. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized interpretation.

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RELATED RESOURCES

Research

January 30, 2025

JMIR Mental Health

Exploring the Psychological and Physiological Insights Through Digital Phenotyping by Analyzing the Discrepancies Between Subjective Insomnia Severity and Activity-Based Objective Sleep Measures: Observational Cohort Study

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BATTLEGROUNDS

SUMMARY

This study examines the mismatch between how people perceive their insomnia and objective sleep data from wearable devices. Researchers tracked 250 adults using Fitbit and smartphone apps to assess sleep patterns, stress, and lifestyle habits. Surprisingly, those who reported severe insomnia showed no major differences in total sleep time or structure compared to others. However, higher stress, negative sleep beliefs, and restless legs syndrome were linked to worse insomnia perceptions. The findings suggest that psychological factors, not just sleep quality, shape how people experience insomnia. This highlights the need for personalized treatments that address mental health and lifestyle factors, not just sleep itself.

To support brain health, focus on stress management, cognitive reframing of sleep beliefs, and healthy circadian rhythms. Practices like mindfulness, reducing smartphone use before bed, and consistent wake times may help. However, as this study primarily identifies correlations, it cannot confirm causation. Additionally, wearable device accuracy has limitations. Lifestyle changes should be combined with clinical advice for those with severe sleep concerns.

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