A Comprehensive Assessment of Bedtime Routines and Strategies to Aid Sleep Onset in College Students: A Web-Based Survey

Abstract

College students often experience sleep–wake alterations. Different factors can contribute to insomnia symptoms in this population. The present study aims at investigating pre-sleep behaviours and strategies used to aid sleep onset in young college students and their association with insomnia symptoms. A total of 548 Italian college students (mean age = 23.48 years, range = 19–30 years, 80.5% female) completed a web-based survey on pre-sleep behaviours and sleep-onset facilitators, insomnia symptoms and sleep hygiene, anxiety and depression, and coping strategies. The use of electronic devices at bedtime and as a sleep-onset facilitator was predominant. Students using specific behaviours as sleep-onset facilitators were characterised by more psychological difficulties and poorer sleep. In multivariable linear regression analysis, the frequency of using medications and melatonin, regardless of motivations, was associated with higher insomnia symptoms. The use of specific sleep-onset facilitators positively correlated with the severity of insomnia symptoms. Many students engage in behaviours that are considered sleep-interfering and that are often employed in an attempt to facilitate sleep onset without benefits. Overall, the motivational factors behind pre-sleep behaviours need to be addressed in preventive programs targeting young college students.