Pre-Sleep Arousal Scale (PSAS)

This questionnaire measures the level of cognitive and physical arousal you experience when trying to fall asleep. Think about your typical experience before sleep.

0 of 16 questions answered
??
Cognitive Arousal
Racing thoughts and mental activity before sleep
1. Worry about falling asleep
2. Review or ponder events of the day
3. Worry about problems other than sleep
4. Thoughts keep running through your head
5. Being distracted by sounds or noises in your environment
6. Worry about not being able to function tomorrow
7. Mental alertness, racing mind
8. Can't shut off your thoughts
??
Somatic Arousal
Physical sensations and body awareness before sleep
9. Heart racing, pounding, or beating irregularly
10. A jittery, nervous feeling in your body
11. Shortness of breath or laboured breathing
12. A tight, tense feeling in your muscles
13. Cold feeling in your hands, feet, or body generally
14. Have an upset stomach (knot or churning in stomach)
15. Perspiration in palms of hands or other parts of body
16. Dry feeling in mouth or throat

Your PSAS Results

Cognitive Arousal
0/40
Somatic Arousal
0/40
Total Score
0/80
?? Cognitive Arousal 0/40
?? Somatic Arousal 0/40

Interpretation

About the PSAS

The Pre-Sleep Arousal Scale (PSAS) was developed by Nicassio, Mendlowitz, Fussell, and Petras (1985) to measure the cognitive and somatic manifestations of arousal that occur when trying to fall asleep.

The scale distinguishes between cognitive arousal (racing thoughts, worrying, mental alertness) and somatic arousal (physical sensations like heart racing, muscle tension, or upset stomach). Research suggests that cognitive arousal is more strongly associated with sleep difficulties than somatic arousal.

Higher scores indicate greater pre-sleep arousal, which is commonly associated with insomnia. This distinction helps guide treatment - cognitive arousal may benefit from cognitive strategies, while somatic arousal may respond better to relaxation techniques.