Sleep disturbance in adolescents: Sleep quality, sleep habits, beliefs about sleep, and daytime functioning

Abstract

This study examined the prevalence and correlates of sleep disturbance in adolescents. Two hundred seventy-seven 9th- and 10th-grade students completed a questionnaire on sleep quality, sleep habits, beliefs about sleep, and daytime mood and functioning. Based on their responses, subjects were classified as good sleepers (66%), occasional poor sleepers (23%), and chronic poor sleepers (11%). Occasional and chronic poor sleepers reported being significantly more depressed, without energy, tense, moody, and irritable and less rested and alert than good sleepers. They were also more likely to describe themselves negatively. However, poor sleepers were not consistently more tired than good sleepers. Rather, they tended to be least tired in the evening, the time when most good sleepers reported feeling tired. There were few differences in the sleep habits and beliefs about sleep of good and poor sleepers. All subjects reported shifts in bedtimes and waketimes from weekdays to weekends, with occasional and chronic poor sleepers showing a tendency toward greater shifts, a possible factor contributing to their sleep disturbance. Occasional and chronic poor sleepers also reported more observable behaviors and feelings of stress than good sleepers. The need for early intervention with particular attention to teaching adolescents about good sleep habits and the need for stable bedtimes and waketimes and the possibility of joint intervention on daytime stress and sleeping problems are discussed.

Epidemiology of DSM-IV Insomnia in Adolescence: Lifetime Prevalence, Chronicity, and an Emergent Gender Difference

“…Among these studies, the prevalence of current sleep problems ranged from 6% to 39%. [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] The estimate of DSM-IV insomnia in the past 30 days in this study falls at the lower end of this range (9.4%). The 1 other epidemiologic study of adolescents to assess insomnia by diagnostic criteria found a much lower prevalence of DSM-IV insomnia (with or without comorbid disorders) in the past 30 days (4%) than was found here.…”

“…20 Finally, a number of studies have found trouble sleeping to be associated with psychiatric disorders and substance use. [9][10][11][12][13][14][15] Although available data on the degree to which treatment for insomnia may reduce the risk for daytime consequences are limited in both adolescents and adults, there is some evidence that ADHDlike symptoms improve subsequent to treatment for sleep problems. 45,46 Thus, treatment and prevention of insomnia may be important priorities in adolescent health.…”

“…Most, although not all, 18,23 studies found trouble sleeping to be more prevalent in girls than in boys. 10,13,14,16,17 Ohayon et al 21 found a significantly higher prevalence of primary insomnia among female compared with male adolescents (3.4% vs 1.2%) but no gender difference for other insomnia subtypes. There has been little evidence of differences by race/ethnicity.…”

“…4 In addition, cultural factors such as early school start times, after-school employment, and extracurricular and social activities contribute to limited sleep and disrupted sleep patterns, making adolescents vulnerable to excessive sleepiness. 5,6 Poor sleep adversely affects cognitive function and performance 7,8 and is associated with poor emotional and physical health, [9][10][11][12] conduct problems, and substance use. [13][14][15] Sleep problems have been investigated in several community-and school-based samples of adolescents but have been defined idiosyncratically and measured for periods from 2 weeks to 12 months.…”

“…[13][14][15] Sleep problems have been investigated in several community-and school-based samples of adolescents but have been defined idiosyncratically and measured for periods from 2 weeks to 12 months. [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] Consequently, prevalence estimates of sleep problems among adolescents has varied from 6% to 39%. The study by Ohayon et al 21 is the one study that included adolescents and used Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) 22 criteria.…”