595 The associations between excessive daytime sleepiness and emotional lability in typically developing adolescents

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), defined as a tendency to fall asleep unintentionally during the day, and emotional lability, characterized by emotional outbursts and quick changes in mood, are prevalent amongst adolescents. They contribute to functional impairments and are inter-related, but are frequently investigated independently. In addition, sleep duration is related to both EDS and emotional/behavioral regulation, but previous studies did not take this into account. The aim of this study was to characterize the associations between emotional lability, impulsivity and EDS in adolescents while controlling for objectively measured sleep duration. It was hypothesized that higher levels of EDS in adolescents would be associated with higher levels of emotional lability and impulsivity in adolescents above and beyond the impact of sleep duration. Methods Participants included 52 typically developing adolescents (38 females) aged 11 to 16 years old (Mean age = 13.10 years, SD = 1.59). EDS was measured using the Sleep Disorders Inventory for Students. Emotional lability and impulsivity were measured using the Conners Global Index Scale. Sleep was measured using actigraphy and sleep logs. Results Parallel multiple regression analyses were conducted with EDS as the independent variable, and emotional lability or impulsivity as the dependent variables, while controlling for age, gender, bedtime, waketimes, and sleep duration. These analyses revealed significant positive association between EDS and emotional lability such that adolescents with high levels of EDS also presented with high levels of emotional lability (F(6, 51) = 4.631, p = < .001, β =.62, p = <.001). There were no significant associations found between EDS and impulsivity. Conclusion This study found that EDS was associated with emotional, but not behavioral, dysregulation in adolescents. Interventions aimed at reducing EDS and at improving adolescents’ emotional regulation should be considered as a means to optimize adolescents’ daytime functioning. Limitations of the current study include the use of a cross-sectional design that does not permit determination of causality. Future research should be conducted to better understand the mechanisms underlying the interplay between EDS and daytime functioning of adolescents. Support (if any):