Utilizing art therapy journaling to decrease insomnia and promote sleep hygiene
Graduation Date
Spring 2016
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Degree Granting Institution
Notre Dame de Namur University
Program Name
Art Therapy
Dean
John Lemmon, PhD
First Reader
Jennifer Harrison, PsyD, ATR-BC, DAAETS
Second Reader
Carolee Stanbo, PsyD, MFT
Abstract
This pilot research study examined how sleep quality in individuals experiencing insomnia can improve through the practice of cognitive behavioral therapy in combination with art therapy. The project measured how routine behavioral practices of sleep hygiene joined with creating a daily entry in an art therapy journal can reduce insomnia symptoms in individuals to promote sleep quality. The outcome of this thirty-day pilot research study demonstrated that sleep quality improved and components of insomnia symptoms decreased as a result of the CBT practice in conjunction with utilizing art therapy journaling. Although the anticipated changes did not prove to be statistically significant in all parameters of the research; the insomnia distress score and total scores did show a statistically significant decrease in insomnia symptoms. Another parameter of the pilot research study did show a statistically significant increase in sleep quality after utilizing art therapy journaling. The increases in sleep quality and decrease in insomnia symptoms supports the individual’s psychological health and well-being. This pilot research study generates further inquiry into the benefits of utilizing art therapy journaling to improve the lives of those affected by sleep disturbances.