Sleep timing and hygiene practices of high bedtime procrastinators: a direct observational study

Background: Bedtime procrastination (BP) has been proven to be an important indicator of sleep insufficiency from a psychological perspective. However, the effect of BP on sleep patterns related to sleep deficiency remains unknown. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of self-reported sleep timing and hygiene practices between high and low-moderate bedtime procrastinators. It also aimed to examine the relationship between these characteristics and high level of BP. Methods: A total of 391 Chinese college students were recruited for this study. Participants completed questionnaires on demographics, sleep timing variables, the Sleep Hygiene Practice Scale (SHPS) and the Bedtime Procrastination Scale (BPS). Results: High bedtime procrastinators were more likely to have higher SHPS global and subdomain scores (Ps < 0.001). They also were more likely to exhibit later sleep onset, sleep offset and rise time on both weekdays and weekends (Ps < 0.01). The significant independent determinant factors of the prevalence of high BP were: SHPS total score [odds ratio (OR) = 1.05, P < 0.001], arousal-related behaviour (OR = 1.07, P = 0.007), sleep schedule and timing (OR = 1.12, P < 0.001) and sleep onset on weekdays (OR = 2.65, P < 0.001). Conclusions: High bedtime procrastinators showed maladaptive sleep-related variables, which mainly manifested as changes in arousal-related behaviour and sleep schedule and timing, as well as delays in sleep onset time on weekdays. The findings could help guide the formulation of appropriate interventions in primary health care.