A moderated mediation model predicting the impact of nightmares on sleep quality.

Abstract

Nightmares can yield deleterious effects on sleep quality; therefore, it is important to identify modifiable predictors of nightmare distress in order to promote better sleep outcomes. Lucid dreaming and trait mindfulness are both associated with decreased nightmares and may indirectly improve sleep quality; furthermore, these factors may have synergistic effects. To test this, a moderated mediation model was examined. Contrary to our hypothesis, results showed that lucid dreaming was associated with greater nightmare distress, which predicted worse sleep quality, but this effect was moderated by total mindfulness and the subfacet of acting with awareness. For individuals with low and average mindfulness, lucid dreaming increased nightmare distress, yielding a negative indirect effect on sleep quality. These effects were not seen for individuals with high mindfulness; rather, a trend emerged in which lucid dreaming for individuals high in mindfulness may improve sleep quality via lowered nightmare distress. Findings can inform nonmedical approaches to reducing nightmare distress and suggest that abilities in lucid dreaming may only yield benefits on reducing nightmares and corresponding sleep quality among individuals who also possess high mindfulness skills, particularly acting with awareness and nonjudgemental mindfulness.