Sleep problems and sleep quality in the general adult population living in South Tyrol (Italy), a cross-sectional survey study

Abstract

This cross-sectional, population-based survey study aimed to (1) investigate the prevalence of sleep problems and poor sleep quality and (2) explore the associated sociodemographic and health-related factors. A stratified probabilistic sample of 4,000 adults aged >= 18 years living in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano (South Tyrol, Italy) was invited to complete a questionnaire. Sleep quality was assessed using the brief version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed to analyze the data. A total of 2,090 adults (53%) completed the survey. Poor sleep quality was reported by 17.8%, with 28.2% of participants reporting insufficient sleep duration (i.e., six hours or less), 12.7% having problems staying asleep (i.e. waking up to 3-4 times a week and unable to fall asleep again), and 8.7% having problems getting to sleep (i.e. >30 minutes). Sleep problems and poor sleep quality were associated with sociodemographic and health-related factors, including sex, age, mother tongue, overall health status, chronic disease, and sleep hygiene. Italian-speaking participants reported poorer sleep quality and greater difficulty staying asleep compared to German-speaking participants, highlighting potential sociocultural influences on sleep health. Sleep quality and other problems are prevalent among adults in South Tyrol. Further research on public health interventions that promote sleep health literacy and hygiene is needed.