Researchers from the University of Utah have identified connections between bedtime procrastination and personality traits in young adults, linking it to depressive symptoms and specific traits like neuroticism and diminished conscientiousness and extraversion.
Bedtime procrastinators tend to avoid engaging in enjoyable activities during delayed hours, displaying a psychological profile aligned with depression, marked by negative emotions and reduced positive feelings.
The study involved 390 young adults and assessed personality traits, sleep patterns, and chronotype to understand the impact of intrinsic factors on bedtime procrastination.
Adjusting for chronotype, the research found that high neuroticism and low conscientiousness and extraversion remained significantly associated with bedtime procrastination, highlighting the robustness of the findings.
The study underscores the importance of emotional health in addressing bedtime procrastination, suggesting that therapeutic strategies focusing on emotional distress management could improve overall sleep quality and well-being.
Bedtime procrastination threatens adequate sleep, impacting cognitive performance, emotional regulation, and overall health, emphasizing the need for interventions to address this widespread issue.
The upcoming presentation of these findings at SLEEP 2025 will spark discussions among experts in sleep medicine, circadian biology, and psychological science, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to develop practical guidelines for managing bedtime procrastination.
The study's longitudinal diary method and rigorous methodology enhance the reliability of the conclusions, offering insights into the complex interplay between personality, emotional health, and bedtime procrastination.
By reframing bedtime procrastination as a multifaceted psychological phenomenon, the research calls for integrated approaches that encompass psychological and behavioral dimensions to improve sleep hygiene and address underlying emotional health issues.
Addressing bedtime procrastination requires holistic strategies focusing on emotional well-being, revolutionizing the conceptualization and management of sleep health in clinical and public health settings.