Sleep irregularity poses significant challenges to the health, well-being, and academic performance of female university students, particularly those studying at Zayed University in the United Arab Emirates. A recent study has shed light on the troubling links between fluctuated sleep patterns and external factors, including night-time technology use and dysfunctional beliefs surrounding sleep.
The research, which involved 176 female undergraduates, employed advanced wrist actigraphy over seven days to record sleep patterns, complemented by subjective measures through various questionnaires. Key findings revealed significant relationships between two measures of sleep regularity—daily and weekly—with declining sleep quality and increased use of technology at bedtime.
According to the authors, "Our findings revealed significant negative linear relationships between the Sleep Regularity Index (SRI) and subjective sleep quality (PSQI) and sleep beliefs (DBAS)." The study indicated how inconsistent sleep patterns disrupted the students' overall sense of well-being and vitality, reflecting widely reported tendencies observed among university students across the globe.
The exploration also illuminated the role of psychological factors at play. A common thread among those studied was the prevalence of dysfunctional sleep beliefs, where students often held misconceptions about their sleep needs influencing their sleep habits. "The results indicate greater dysfunctional sleep beliefs were related to greater sleep irregularity," remarked the authors. Such beliefs can drive suboptimal sleep behaviors, like excessive napping or reliance on screens before bed.
Another highlighted aspect of the study was the influence of technology on sleep patterns. Increased night-time technology usage correlated significantly with social jetlag, showcasing how modern digital lifestyles may promote irregular sleep schedules. "This study shows, for the first time, sleep irregularity between weekdays and weekends is linked to greater use of night-time technology," stated the authors. Importantly, those who frequently napped during the day exhibited lower regularity scores, stressing the need for consistent sleep routines.
The researchers emphasized the importance of cultivating sustainable sleep habits among young adults. "Efforts to educate and cultivate sustainable and consistent sleep–wake patterns among university students are needed," they concluded. Their hope is for this research to pave the way for future studies about sleep behaviors and their repercussions on health and academic performance.
The study calls for additional carefully planned research to establish potential cause-effect relationships between technology usage, sleep beliefs, and actual sleep outcomes. By prioritizing the study of sleep irregularity, especially among under-researched populations like young female Emirati students, health practitioners and educators can provide targeted interventions to improve overall well-being and academic success.