Sleep-Wake Cycle Irregularity and Daytime Sleepiness in Adolescents on Schooldays and on Vacation Days (original) (raw)

background and objective: Comparing the sleep-wake cycle (SWC) and daytime sleepiness in adolescents when they attend morning classes and during school vacations. Methods: The sleep-wake cycle was evaluated based on the student's sleep log, and daytime sleepiness was evaluated by the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KS). Comparison between these variables was performed with 42 Brazilian adolescent students (14-19 years old) based on a one-week period on schooldays and a one-week period on vacation days. SWC irregularity was evaluated through standard deviation in bedtime and wake-up time on weekdays and on weekends. For statistical analysis, dependent T-test and Repeated Measures Anova were applied (p <0.05). Results: During the vacation period, sleep irregularity is maintained, but in contrast to the schoolday period, adolescents have a more extended sleep period on weekdays than on weekends. Bedtime and wake-up time are delayed, and sleep duration increases along the week. Sleepiness shows a daily pattern characterized by higher sleepiness levels at wake-up time and bedtime, and during vacations, such levels decrease at wake-up time and at 2:00pm. Moreover, during vacations frequency of naps decreases both on weekdays and on weekends. Conclusion: The morning school schedule is not the sole cause for the adolescent's sleep irregularity. Sleep habits associated with other factors involving the adolescent's socio-cultural context may influence such behavior. It is important to investigate the extent at which sleep schedule irregularity starts to be detrimental to the individual's sleep quality.

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