The relationship between subjective sleep disturbances and illness insight in individuals with alcohol‐related cognitive disorders

Abstract Background Sleep disturbances are often observed in people with alcohol‐related cognitive disorders. In addition to their cognitive disorders, illness insight may be compromised in these patients, complicating addiction treatment adherence. Aim of this study was to examine the relationship between illness insight and subjective sleep disturbances in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) without cognitive impairment, individuals with alcohol‐related cognitive impairments (ARCI) and people with Korsakoff’s syndrome (KS) in a convenience sample. In addition, this study examines the role of illness insight in dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep. Methods Twenty‐four individuals with KS, 17 individuals with ARCI and 21 individuals with AUD participated in this study. Illness insight was measured using the Q8 questionnaire. Subjective sleep disturbances were measured using the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index and the Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep questionnaire. General cognitive functioning was assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Results Comparable levels of subjective sleep disturbances across the three diagnostic groups were found. Also, no significant relation was found between subjective sleep disturbances and illness insight in the three groups. Conclusion This study suggests that the level of illness insight does not appear to play a role in the self‐report of sleep disturbances.