Social Jetlag in adolescents: From a nursing perspective

Abstract

Problem: Social Jetlag (SJL) is a condition leading to many important physical, mental, behavioral, and cognitive problems in adolescents.

Methods: The sample of this study, which used a descriptive and correlational design, consisted of 247 high school students. The SJL parameters were informed by the literature, while chronotype was identified using the Morningness-Eveningness Scale for Children. The factors associated with SJL were determined using a structured questionnaire.

Findings: Students' SJL value was 2 h 10 min ± 01:11. As students' tendency to be an evening chronotype increased, the SJL value increased, as well (r = -0.472; p < 0.001). In terms of SJL, student's grade level (β = -0.167; p = 0.004) and chronotype (β = -0.438; p < 0.001) were a negative risk factor, while spending time in bed with TV/computer/smartphone before sleeping (β = 0.127; p = 0.031) was a positive risk factor.

Conclusions: The students had a high SJL value. The results might be useful for nurses to develop intervention strategies to improve adolescents sleep habits.

Keywords: adolescent; chronotype; nursing; sleep; social Jetlag.