Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2025

Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Symptoms in Depression
Published on: April 26, 2024
Coping and sleep quality in youth: An Experience Sampling study
Noëmi Hagemann1,2, Olivia J Kirtley1, Ginette Lafit1,3
1Department of Neurosciences, Research Group Psychiatry, Center for Contextual Psychiatry, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
Introduction:
Sleep quality is closely linked with mental health. Two factors that influence sleep are coping style and locus of control, yet these have not been investigated in daily life. In this study, we examined associations between coping styles and sleep quality in daily life and the potential mediating effect of daily locus of control in a sample of youth, a group particularly vulnerable to developing psychopathology.
Methods:
Three hundred and seventy-nine youths from the TwinssCan study participated in an Experience Sampling study, assessing sleep quality as well as state locus of control over the most negative event from the previous day. Participants also completed the Utrecht Coping List, which assessed engagement, disengagement, and emotion-focused coping.
Results:
Disengagement, "passive reaction," and emotion-focused coping were associated with lower daily sleep quality. State locus of control did not mediate any effects of coping styles on quality of sleep.
Conclusions:
Disengagement, "passive reaction," and emotion-focused coping were associated with decreased sleep quality during several consecutive days, which may put youths at risk for developing future insomnia, and strain their mental well-being over time. Thus, there may be value in asking about coping when a young individual presents with sleep problems; however, impaired coping when sleeping poorly should also be considered.
Related Concept Videos
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Coping Strategies: Problem Focused
For example, consider a student who struggles to understand their...
Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
RBD is significantly associated with...
Coping Strategies: Emotion Focused
Understanding Sleep
The circadian rhythm, a nearly 24-hour cycle, is deeply influenced by environmental light cues. Light exposure directly affects the hypothalamus, which in turn regulates...

