Associations among sleep problems, executive dysfunctions, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptom domains in college students

Abstract

Objective: The present study examined whether executive functions (EFs) and sleep problems operate together to predict four attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptom domains. Methods: A sample of 306 college students completed ratings of sleep quality, EFs, and ADHD symptoms from January to December 2014. Simultaneous multiple regressions were used to examine (a) the unique contribution of EFs and sleep problems to ADHD symptoms, (b) the relations among EFs, sleep problems, and GPA, and (c) the relations between specific EF facets (i.e., time management, emotion regulation, problem solving, self-restraint, and self-motivation) and ADHD symptoms. Results: While approximately 52.8% of participants were categorized as poor-quality sleepers, 10.6% of the sample reported an ADHD diagnosis. EF ratings were associated uniquely with ADHD symptoms after controlling for sleep quality. All EF facets were related to ADHD symptoms. Conclusion: ADHD symptoms are associated with all EF facets even after controlling for sleep quality.