Impulsivity mediates the relationship between sleep quality and interpersonal functioning: a cross-sectional study in a sample of university students

Abstract

BackgroundAmid the current mental health pandemic, research continues to investigate potential contributors associated with increasing levels of negative mental health. Among such contributors is sleep, which is vital for physiological and psychological functioning with potential downstream behavioral consequences, including in relation to impulsivity and social functioning. Given the significant rates of disordered sleep behaviors reported in the literature, our study sought to investigate the relationship between sleep quality, impulsivity and interpersonal functioning among university students.MethodsAn anonymous online survey was administered to university students (Ages 18 + ; N = 526; 33% male, 67% female) addressing demographics, sleep quality, impulsivity, and interpersonal functioning.ResultsOur findings indicate a substantial proportion of students reporting poor sleep quality and impulsivity. Moreover, higher levels of impulsivity and lower interpersonal functioning were associated with poor sleep quality. Mediation analysis revealed a significant mediating role of attentional impulsivity in the relationship between sleep quality and interpersonal functioning.ConclusionsRepeated reports of significant levels of impulsivity underlying numerous psychiatric disorders, its prevalence socially, and the fundamental issue that impulsivity reflects (i.e., lack of self-control/self-discipline/self-regulation), suggests a necessity to reorient therapeutic efforts towards the root of the problem. Thus, efforts should seek to maximize preventative behaviors that strengthen the individual (e.g., improving sleep-related behaviors), and contribute to the building of character/virtue, through self-discipline, perseverance and consistency, in order to reduce negative outcomes (e.g., impulsivity, dysfunctional interpersonal functioning).