Daytime work and evening classes: reports on sleepiness among young working students

Abstract

Introduction Brazil has approximately 18 million of young workers. Among those, 17.9% are working students. A significant number of high school and college students in Brazil work more than 30 h per week and attend classes in the evening hours, striving to improve their financial conditions. Several studies have shown the negative effects on heath and sleep among young working students and excessive sleepiness during evening classes and work are common complaints. The sleep/wake cycle of adolescents are influenced by biological and social factors, which, in conjunction with partial sleep deprivation, could harm their school performance. The purpose of this study was to identify and analyze reports of young workers regarding their sleepiness and school performance. Materials and methods The current study was carried out in a nongovernmental organization (NGO) located in the outskirts of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Research participants were 20 young students (14–20 years old) of a first job training program. Data collection was conducted during June and November 2011, in two steps: (1) before they start working and (2) after three months working. All participants worked 6–8 h during the day, and attended 4 h evening school. Sleep and school performance were measured using semi- structured collective and individual interviews. Empirical data analysis was performed using Content of Analysis. Results Better financial conditions were described as the main factor responsible for early admission into the labor force. Approximately 90% of the participants mentioned that concomitantly activities, such as work and study affected their sleep time and school performance. Reports of excessive sleepiness during evening classes were related to partial sleep deprivation. The main factors were the use of Internet after 11 pm to do homework and the need to wake up very early (between 5am and 6am) to go to work. A number of participants reported that their school performance became worse and school grades declined due to the concomitant activities - work during the day and attending classes in the evening hours. Moreover, physical fatigue and excessive sleepiness were also mentioned as the main factors responsible for the lack of attention and focus during classes and work activities. Conclusion These results indicate that Brazilian public policies related to young working students should take into account the impact of long working hours on their sleep, health and school performance. Acknowledgements Financial support: CNPq and FAPESP (Grants # 563906/2012–03 and 08/51661–9, respectively).