0077 Sleep and Imagination: Poor Sleep Quality is Associated with More Complex and More Goal-Directed Imaginations

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The relationship between sleep and creativity is complex. Typically, better sleep quality and greater sleep quantity is associated with better cognitive functioning. Despite this general rule, people who demonstrate higher than average levels of creativity are more likely to report worse sleep quality and more insomnia symptoms. The current work investigated sleep health in relation to precursors to creativity: imagination frequency, emotion, complexity, and goal-directedness. Methods Two hundred and thirty-seven undergraduate student participants completed demographic questionnaires and self-report measures of imagination (Four-Factor Imagination Scale), sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), and insomnia symptoms (Insomnia Severity Index; Ford Insomnia Response to Stress Test). Results Individuals with low sleep quality/quantity, higher insomnia severity, and higher levels of sleep reactivity were those with the most complex imaginations (i.e., imaginations that are rich in details). These associations were generally stronger in female participants than male participants. Furthermore, individuals with higher sleep reactivity also demonstrated more goal-directed imagination (e.g., daydreams have clear goals/outcomes, involve planning the future). Frequency and emotional valence of imaginations were unrelated to sleep measures. Conclusion Individuals, and particularly females, with more complex and goal-directed imaginations were more likely to experience worse sleep quality. These findings aligned with the theoretical view that diminished inhibitory control (resulting from poor sleep) can benefit some aspects of creative thinking. Experimental work is needed to determine the causal direction of sleep—imagination associations. Support (if any) National Science Foundation (1920730).