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The Glasgow Sleep Effort Scale (GSES) shows good overall internal consistency with a pooled Cronbach's alpha of 0.81

A reliability generalization meta-analysis of 34 articles (40 independent estimates, total N=16,022) found that the GSES has good internal consistency (pooled alpha = 0.81, 95% CI [0.79, 0.82]). Significant heterogeneity was observed (I2 ≈ 85%), and publication year moderated internal consistency estimates. Reliability induction (e.g., omitting reliability coefficients) was common in nearly 58% of initially retrieved studies.

Last updated: Aug 12, 2026•0 RCTs•1 Meta-analyses•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score49/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis★★★☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
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Study Evidence

Study 1. The Glasgow Sleep Effort Scale: A reliability generalization meta-analysis of internal consistency.

observational

Gaspar V, Dias SF, Broomfield NM, Espie CA, Marques DR · Sleep medicine (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: N/A
Intervention: N/A (meta-analysis of reliability, not an intervention)
Outcome: Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) of the Glasgow Sleep Effort Scale
Effect Size: Pooled alpha = 0.81 (95% CI [0.79, 0.82])
Population: General and clinical samples from 34 studies (total N=16,022) that used the GSES

Result:

PubMed: 42570354DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2026.109182

Mechanism Graph

GSES items assess conscious sleep effort
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Reliability generalization meta-analysis aggregates alpha coefficients across studies
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Random-effects model with restricted maximum likelihood estimation
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Pooled alpha indicates good internal consistency

Limitations

  • ⚠High heterogeneity (I2 ≈ 85%) suggests variability in reliability estimates across studies
  • ⚠Only studies reporting Cronbach's alpha were included, potentially excluding those with other reliability measures
  • ⚠Publication year was the only significant moderator; other factors (language, age, sex, sample type, design, quality) did not explain heterogeneity

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Glasgow Sleep Effort Scale (GSES)?▼

The GSES is a questionnaire that measures the extent to which individuals consciously try to control their sleep, often used in insomnia research.

What is the overall internal consistency of the GSES?▼

The pooled Cronbach's alpha is 0.81 (95% CI [0.79, 0.82]), indicating good internal consistency.

Does the reliability of the GSES vary across studies?▼

Yes, there is significant heterogeneity (I2 ≈ 85%), and only publication year was a significant moderator; other sample characteristics did not explain the variability.

What is reliability induction in this context?▼

Reliability induction refers to citing previously reported reliability coefficients instead of reporting sample-specific ones; it was observed in nearly 58% of initially retrieved studies.

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References

  1. 1.Gaspar V, Dias SF, Broomfield NM, Espie CA, Marques DR. "The Glasgow Sleep Effort Scale: A reliability generalization meta-analysis of internal consistency.." Sleep medicine, 2026. PMID: 42570354 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2026.109182
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.