Late Bedtime from the Perspective of Adolescents: A Qualitative Study

Later sleep timing is a key determinant of reduced sleep duration and quality in adolescents and is associated with negative mental and physical outcomes. However, little is known about adolescents' views on late bedtime. The study's purpose is to explore adolescents' perspectives on why they go to sleep late during school nights and what would help them to go to bed earlier.

We conducted online semi-structured interviews with 24 adolescents aged 14-17 years as a part of the international HBSC (Health Behaviour in School-aged Children) study. The data were collected via individual and group interviews and analyzed using a combination of consensual qualitative research methodology and thematic analysis.

School demands and leisure time activities, particularly online socialization with peers, have been identified as one of the main themes related to why adolescents go to sleep late. Adolescents reported difficulties managing these competing activities during the day after school, often postponing them until late at night and prioritizing them to sleep. Adolescents also mentioned bedtime distress as a barrier to falling asleep. However, some adolescents did not perceive late bedtime as a problem, but rather as a habit and personal choice. They reported that better time management, less homework, engagement in physical activity, parent-set bedtime, and less time spent online in the evening would help them to go to bed earlier.

Our findings suggest that interventions to improve sleep timing in adolescents should focus on reducing school pressure, building supportive social networks; strengthening adolescents' self-regulation skills; and enhancing parental involvement in establishing sleep and daily routines for their adolescents.