Five-factor personality traits and sleep: evidence from two population-based cohort studies

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sleep Science
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Understanding the relationship between personality traits and sleep is crucial for public health.
• Previous research has explored various factors influencing sleep, but the specific links with the Five Factor Model (FFM) require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the associations between the Five Factor Model personality traits and sleep duration, sleep deficiency, and sleep problems.
• To determine if these associations are consistent across different populations.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from two large, population-based samples from Australia (n=1,104) and Finland (n=1,623).
• Collected self-report data on sleep behavior, sleep problems (Jenkin's scale), and Five Factor Model personality traits (NEO-FFI).
• Employed linear regression analyses to investigate the associations between personality traits and sleep parameters.

Main Results:

• Higher levels of extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness were generally associated with better sleep outcomes.
• Elevated neuroticism was linked to poorer sleep quality and increased sleep problems.
• The personality trait of openness did not show a significant association with sleep.
• Most observed associations were consistent across both Australian and Finnish samples, though personality traits explained a small proportion of the variance in sleep behavior.

Conclusions:

• The findings suggest that specific personality traits are associated with sleep patterns, offering potential avenues for personalized interventions for sleep disorders.
• Understanding personality-sleep links may also inform personnel selection for roles requiring high alertness.
• Longitudinal studies are recommended to establish causality and confirm these associations.