Perceived sleep quality and its precursors in adolescents

This study investigated perceived sleep quality among 11-, 13- and 15-year-old Finnish adolescents (n = 4187). Additionally, associations of selected behavioural, social and psychological factors with subjective sleep quality were examined among 15-year-olds. This study is part of an international, WHO-co-ordinated survey of school children's health and lifestyle (the HBSC Study). In Finland, research data represented the whole country. The data were collected during March–May 1994. Pupils responded anonymously to a standardized questionnaire during a class period. About every 10th adolescent felt that their sleep quality was at most satisfactory, about 30% of pupils had had difficulties in falling asleep and almost every fifth adolescent reported nocturnal awakenings every week. Thus, a large proportion of pupils in every classroom has a weakened ability to concentrate on school work or other activities. Among 15-year-old boys, a good home atmosphere was the most important contributing factor to good perceived sleep quality. A health-promotive lifestyle (good sleep hygiene and infrequent use of addictive substances) and good self-perception also had significant correlation with good perceived sleep quality. In 15-year-old girls, a good home atmosphere, good self-perception and health-promotive habits played an equally important role in associations with subjective sleep quality. Physical activity in leisure time had minor but significant correlation with perceived sleep quality among girls. In both sexes, perceived home atmosphere had a significant association with all the factors that had correlated significantly with subjective sleep quality. Results indicate that a good home atmosphere, a health-promotive lifestyle and good self-perception are important constituents of good sleep among 15-year-olds. Good and refreshing sleep is one of the constituents for general well-being among adolescents. That is why these issues provide a challenge for health promotion and health education.