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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Collecting Sleep, Circadian, Fatigue, and Performance Data in Complex Operational Environments

Collecting Sleep, Circadian, Fatigue, and Performance Data in Complex Operational Environments

Published on: August 8, 2019

Sleep patterns in high school and university students: a longitudinal study.

Martin Urner¹, Jure Tornic, Konrad E Bloch

¹Sleep Disorders Center, Pulmonary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Zurich, Switzerland.

Chronobiology International

|September 5, 2009

Summary

Student sleep patterns shift from high school to university due to social cues and age. While total sleep time remained similar, mid-sleep time significantly delayed during university school days, indicating a circadian phase shift.

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Human Circadian Phenotyping and Diurnal Performance Testing in the Real World

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Last Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Collecting Sleep, Circadian, Fatigue, and Performance Data in Complex Operational Environments

Collecting Sleep, Circadian, Fatigue, and Performance Data in Complex Operational Environments

Published on: August 8, 2019

Human Circadian Phenotyping and Diurnal Performance Testing in the Real World

Human Circadian Phenotyping and Diurnal Performance Testing in the Real World

Published on: April 7, 2020

Area of Science:

Sleep Science
Chronobiology
Developmental Psychology

Background:

Student sleep patterns are influenced by academic demands and social zeitgebers.
The transition from high school to university involves significant lifestyle and environmental changes.
Understanding sleep pattern alterations is crucial for student well-being and academic performance.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate longitudinal changes in student sleep patterns during the high school to university transition.
To examine the impact of social zeitgebers and age on sleep duration and timing.
To identify potential circadian phase shifts associated with educational level changes.

Main Methods:

A longitudinal study involving 24 students, with actimetry recordings conducted during high school and again 5 years later at university.
Sleep period duration, mid-sleep time, and total sleep time were objectively measured using actigraphy.
Statistical analyses were performed to compare sleep parameters between high school and university, and between school and leisure days.

Main Results:

Total sleep time was similar on school days in both high school and university but longer on leisure days in high school.
Mid-sleep time was significantly delayed on university school days compared to high school school days.
Individual mid-sleep times showed significant correlations over the 5-year study period, suggesting preserved sleep pattern individuality.

Conclusions:

The transition to university is associated with a delayed mid-sleep time on school days, likely due to altered social zeitgebers and lifestyle, consistent with a circadian phase shift.
While age-related changes may contribute, individual sleep patterns show some consistency over time.
Findings highlight the need to optimize academic and work schedules for students considering their sleep physiology and educational stage.