A cross-sectional exploration of sleep duration and inattention traits in the association between chronotype and self-esteem

The current cross-sectional and observational online study investigated previously reported associations between chronotype, sleep duration, inattention traits, and self-esteem within one indirect-effect model in a general, mostly student, population. Chronotype was operationalized as a continuous μMCTQ-derived score, with higher values indicating later sleep timing and greater evening orientation. We found that chronotype and self-esteem were negatively related, with lower self-esteem observed in participants with later sleep timing. This association was statistically accounted for in part by reported inattention traits, irrespective of reported sleep duration. Participants with higher chronotype scores on average reported more inattention traits, and lower self-esteem. Age effects, found for chronotype score, sleep duration, and inattention traits, were controlled for. Because all variables were measured concurrently, these findings should not be interpreted as evidence that eveningness causes inattention or low self-esteem. Instead, they show that previously reported bivariate relationships are likely connected in the same correlational pattern. Longitudinal, experimental, or network approaches are needed to test temporal ordering, alternative explanations, and possible intervention targets.