The prevalence of self-reported sleep disturbances in young adults

Abstract

The prevalence of seven common patterns of sleep disturbance (delayed sleep onset, frequent wakenings, early wakening, waking tired, disrupted sleep, day napping and nightmares) was assessed in 2,782 young adults (age 17 to 30 years). Only 36% of the sample reported that they were completely free of any sleep disturbance. The data suggest that the various sleep complaints are relatively independent, with low intercorrelations. There were significant sex differences for some problems. Women were more likely to have nightmares, delayed sleep onset and frequent night wakenings, while males were more likely to engage in day napping. These data provide a measure of the prevalence of common sleep disorders and are presented in a format which should facilitate their use for comparative or normative purposes.

Key Words:

• sleep
• insomnia
• sex differences
• hyperarousal