Question 1

How do PROMIS Sleep Disturbance T-scores compare to the PSQI?

Accepted Answer

The PROMIS Sleep Disturbance Short Form correlates strongly with the PSQI but offers greater measurement precision with fewer items (8 vs. 19), uses standardized T-scores for easier cross-population comparison, and avoids ceiling effects seen with the PSQI in clinical populations (Buysse et al., 2010).

Question 2

What does a T-score of 60 mean clinically?

Accepted Answer

A T-score of 60 indicates moderate sleep disturbance, approximately 1 standard deviation above the reference mean. Clinical evaluation and behavioral interventions like CBT-I should be considered. Note that the calibration sample was enriched for chronic illness, so 50 does not precisely represent the general population average.

Question 3

Can this form diagnose insomnia?

Accepted Answer

No. It measures perceived sleep quality and nighttime problems, not specific sleep disorders. It doesn't assess sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, or narcolepsy, nor does it estimate sleep quantities. Elevated scores indicate the need for further clinical evaluation that may include polysomnography.

Question 4

Should both PROMIS sleep forms be administered together?

Accepted Answer

Administering both is recommended for comprehensive sleep assessment. Sleep Disturbance captures nighttime experience while Sleep-Related Impairment captures daytime consequences. Together they take about 5 minutes. A patient might have significant nighttime disturbance without daytime impairment (e.g., compensating with caffeine) or vice versa.

Question 5

What does my PROMIS Sleep Disturbance score mean?

Accepted Answer

We have a detailed scoring guide that explains how to interpret your PROMIS Sleep Disturbance results, including severity ranges and recommended clinical actions. Read our full scoring guide.

PROMIS Sleep Disturbance

Take the PROMIS Sleep Disturbance assessment. 8-item NIH-validated measure of sleep quality, difficulty falling asleep, and restless sleep over the past 7 days.

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