380 The role of self-esteem and sleep on inflammatory markers in young adults

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Disturbed sleep is common among young adults and is associated with poorer health and developmental outcomes. A large percentage of young adults also struggle with low self-esteem. Together, disturbed sleep and low self-esteem may deplete coping resources, heighten to reactivity to stress, and increase disease risk. Yet no studies to our knowledge have examined interactions between self-esteem and sleep on biomarkers of health among young adults. Methods To address this gap, we investigated associations between sleep quality, self-esteem, and two inflammatory markers, C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), in a sample of 60 young adults (mean age 25.3 ± 4.0 years old, 53% female, 83% White). Participants completed a baseline survey to assess self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Questionnaire) and sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI] sleep quality item), followed by 14 days of self-reported sleep disturbances each morning (PROMISTM sleep disturbances short-form; averaged across the 14 days). A plasma blood draw was then collected to assess CRP and IL-6 approximately one week after the end of the daily portion. Results Lower self-esteem (b = -0.04, 95%CI [-0.06,-0.01], p = 0.015) and lower sleep quality were each associated with higher CRP (b = -0.34, 95%CI [-0.62, -0.07], p = 0.015), but not IL-6. Greater daily sleep disturbances were marginally associated with higher CRP (b = 0.37, 95%CI [-0.06,-0.79], p = 0.088]. Interactions between self-esteem and either sleep quality or sleep disturbances did not predict CRP or IL-6. Conclusion Our results suggest low self-esteem and poorer sleep are each associated with higher levels of inflammation but may not interact to exacerbate risk. It is possible low self-esteem and poor sleep each lead to negative emotions or engagement in risky behaviors (e.g., substance use, sedentary behavior) that impact levels of inflammatory markers. Overall, our results highlight the importance of assessing both sleep and personality traits in relation to biomarkers of health among young adults. Support (if any) American Psychological Association Dissertation Research Award