Sleep Habits and Nighttime Texting Among Adolescents

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine sleep habits (i.e., bedtimes and rising times) and their association with nighttime text messaging in 15- to 17-year-old adolescents. This cross-sectional study analyzed data from a web-based survey of adolescent students attending secondary schools in southern Sweden (N = 278, 50% female). Less than 8 hr of time in bed during school nights was significantly associated with more sleep difficulties, wake time variability on school days and weekends, daytime tiredness, and less enjoyment at school (all ps < .05). Sending and/or receiving text messages (Short Message Service [SMS]) at night was significantly associated with later bedtimes, shorter time in bed, daytime tiredness during school, and irregular sleep habits (p < .05). These findings highlight the importance of regular, consistent sleep habits and the problems associated with sleeping with a cell phone in the bedroom.

Keywords

adolescents sleep habits sleep deficiency social jet lag texting school nursing

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