Bedtime Procrastination, Sleep Disturbance, Fatigue and Mental Health in Female University Students: Mediation Analysis

Abstract

This research aimed to explore the association between bedtime procrastination, sleep disturbance, fatigue, and mental health problems among female university students. The researchers employed a correlational methodology.  A sample consisting of 182 female university students 59% (108 undergraduate) and 41% (74 postgraduate students) with age ranging from 18 to 26 years old (M=21.98, SD=2.17) from public and private universities through convenient sampling were asked to complete demographic Performa, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Bed Time Procrastination Scale (BTPS), and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Correlation analysis depicted a significant positive association among bedtime procrastination, sleep disturbance, fatigue, and mental health problems. Regression analysis revealed that bedtime procrastination, sleep disturbance, and fatigue were significant predictors of mental health problems.  The findings of the Mediation analysis indicated that sleep disturbance and fatigue fully mediate the relationship between bedtime procrastination and mental health problems (? = .07, SE = .13, p < .227, R2 = .70). These results can help university students who struggle with sleep deprivation, chronic exhaustion, and mental health problems. Students' lives would be better if they were more aware of the links between staying up too late, sleep disruption, and mental health issues.