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Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 31, 2026

Human Circadian Phenotyping and Diurnal Performance Testing in the Real World
Published on: April 7, 2020
Internalizing and externalizing traits predict changes in sleep efficiency in emerging adulthood: an actigraphy
Ashley C Yaugher1, Gerianne M Alexander1
1Department of Psychology, Texas A&M University College Station, TX, USA.
Poor sleep quality in young adults is linked to higher impulsivity and depression. Better sleep efficiency can reduce depression, with gender playing a role in sleep patterns.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sleep Science
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Sleep disruption is associated with internalizing and externalizing disorders.
- Previous research supports a link between psychopathology and sleep disturbances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between sleep, impulsivity, antisocial personality traits, and internalizing traits in a university sample.
- To extend existing research on sleep and psychopathology to a young adult population.
Main Methods:
- 386 university students (18-27 years) wore actigraphs for 7 days.
- Participants completed validated questionnaires: Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI), Triarchic Psychopathy Measure, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.
- Analyses included correlational, bidirectional, and moderation analyses examining sleep, personality, and psychopathology.
Main Results:
- Higher impulsivity predicted poorer subjective sleep quality in both sexes.
- Elevated depression levels predicted poorer subjective sleep quality.
- Improved sleep efficiency was associated with decreased depression.
- Gender moderated sleep efficiency, with marginal effects observed.
Conclusions:
- Findings in a university sample reinforce the link between sleep disturbances and psychopathology.
- Impulsivity and depression are significant predictors of poor sleep quality in young adults.
- Sleep quality may play a role in the development of psychopathology during young adulthood.

