Personality Traits and Sleep Patterns/problems in Medical Students

Abstract

Aim:

This study examines the relationship between the personality traits of Neuroticism and Extroversion and sleep patterns and others sleep behaviours in medical students.

Method:

Neuroticism and Extroversion were assessed using the Portuguese version of the Eysenck Personality Inventory. Sleep was assessed with a self-response questionnaire covering a wide range of sleep-wake habits and difficulties. A factor analysis with varimax rotation was performed with seventeen items of the questionnaire and four factors were extracted: Sleep Disturbance, Sleep Timing, Insufficient Sleep and Dreams/Nightmares. A total of 203 third year medical students (127 females, 62.6%) mean age 20.01 (SD=1.09; Range=18-24) participated in the study.

Results:

There were no significant gender differences in Neuroticism and Extroversion mean scores (Neuroticism: p=.454; Extroversion: p=.891). Extroversion was significantly correlated with Sleep Timing (p=.000), whereasthere was a trend for Neuroticism to be associated with Sleep Disturbance (p=.095). Concerning the relationship of Neuroticism and Extroversion mean scores with other Sleep problems, Neuroticism was found associated with concentration difficulties in the morning (p=.006), inadequate sleep duration (p=.001), sleep problems (p=.012), and use of sleep medication (p=.052). No significant associations were found with Extroversion.

Conclusion:

Neuroticism was significantly associated with sleep problems, use of sleep medication, inadequate sleep duration, and concentration difficulties in the morning. Extroversion was correlated only with later Sleep Timing.