Sleep patterns and impulse control among Japanese junior high school students

J Adolesc. 2010 Oct;33(5):633-41. doi: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2009.11.007. Epub 2009 Dec 14.

Abstract

Adolescents with decreased impulse control exhibit behavioral problems. Lifestyles are related to impulse control. However, the relations of sleep patterns and impulse control among adolescents are unknown. Thus we examined how sleep patterns were associated with impulse control among Japanese junior high school students. Surveys were completed by a nationwide sample of 1934 students. A significant association between decreased impulse control and bedtimes after midnight was revealed. Specific lifestyle factors related to bedtimes after midnight were older age, greater numbers of hours spent watching television, lack of participation in an extracurricular activity, greater use of convenience stores, and increased attendance at cram schools. This study revealed that going to sleep after midnight was significantly related to decreased impulse control among adolescents. Data about specific lifestyle factors related to going to sleep after midnight should be useful in preventing those behaviors demonstrated by school children that derive from decreased impulse control.

MeSH terms

  • Achievement
  • Adolescent
  • Age Factors
  • Asian People / psychology*
  • Child
  • Circadian Rhythm*
  • Cross-Cultural Comparison*
  • Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / ethnology*
  • Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / psychology*
  • Female
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Japan
  • Leisure Activities
  • Life Style*
  • Male
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Sleep Deprivation / ethnology*
  • Sleep Deprivation / psychology*
  • Sleep Disorders, Circadian Rhythm / ethnology*
  • Sleep Disorders, Circadian Rhythm / psychology
  • Television