CBT-I Relaxation & Mindfulness Techniques Flashcards

A patient reports that trying to relax makes them more anxious. This phenomenon is known as:

Answer: Relaxation-induced anxiety

Relaxation-induced anxiety occurs when focusing on bodily sensations triggers anxiety rather than calm, and is addressed by switching techniques or using mindfulness.

EMG biofeedback in insomnia patients typically targets which muscle group(s)?

Answer: Frontalis or trapezius muscles

The frontalis (forehead) and trapezius (neck/shoulder) muscles are commonly monitored as proxies for overall body tension.

In progressive muscle relaxation, how many major muscle groups are typically addressed in the full protocol?

Answer: 16 or more

Standard PMR protocols address 16 or more muscle groups, which can be abbreviated to 4-7 groups as patients develop skill.

Guided imagery used in CBT-I differs from hypnosis primarily because:

Answer: It does not involve suggestion of altered consciousness or enhanced suggestibility

Guided imagery uses visualization as a relaxation and distraction tool without the altered-state or suggestibility components of hypnosis.

The primary mechanism by which relaxation techniques reduce sleep onset latency is:

Answer: Decreasing sympathetic nervous system activation

Relaxation techniques reduce sympathetic arousal, allowing the parasympathetic system to promote physiological conditions conducive to sleep.

Body scan meditation differs from progressive muscle relaxation in that it:

Answer: Involves passive, non-judgmental awareness without intentional muscle tension

Body scan uses passive observational awareness without the active tension-release cycles that define PMR.