Sleepless in Germany: psychometric validation of a German version of the Bedtime Procrastination Scale

Bedtime procrastination refers to delaying bedtime despite the absence of external constraints and awareness of potential negative consequences. It is linked to impaired sleep, reduced well-being, and self-regulatory difficulties. Although the Bedtime Procrastination Scale (BPS) is most widely used, no validated German version is available. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and evaluate the psychometric properties of the German Bedtime Procrastination Scale (BPS-G).

A sample of 548 German-speaking adults completed the BPS-G and measures of procrastination, self-control, affect, personality, life satisfaction, and sleep-related outcomes. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to examine the factor structure. Reliability was assessed using McDonald's omega and a six-week test-retest design. Convergent, discriminant, criterion, incremental, and predictive validity were evaluated using correlational and regression analyses.

Item analyses indicated satisfactory item characteristics and excellent discriminatory power. Exploratory factor analysis supported a one-factor solution explaining 59% of the variance. Confirmatory factor analysis largely supported the unidimensional structure (CFI = 0.94, TLI = 0.92, SRMR = 0.04). Internal consistency was excellent (ω = 0.94), and test-retest reliability was high (r = 0.80). Bedtime procrastination was positively associated with general procrastination and negative affect and negatively associated with self-control, conscientiousness, and positive affect. Higher bedtime procrastination predicted lower life satisfaction, poorer sleep quality, and shorter sleep duration. Gender differences in bedtime procrastination were not statistically significant.

The findings provide evidence for the reliability and validity of the BPS-G. The BPS-G offers a useful tool for assessing bedtime procrastination in German-speaking populations.