Acute Stress Is Linked to Social Jet Lag and Sleep Patterns, Not Chronotype, in Young Adults

Good quality sleep is vital for physical, cognitive, and psychosocial well-being. This study aims to explore the relationship of sleep quality, various sleep parameters and acute stress in young adults.

The study cohort consisted of 496 participants aged 18–25 years. Each participant completed a validated, pre-designed questionnaire that collected information on demographics, sleep quality, sleep duration, social jetlag, screen-time, physical activity and chronotype. Acute stress was assessed using the NSESSS questionnaire, and Pearson’s bivariate correlation analysis was employed to correlate acute stress with various sleep attributes.

BMI ranged from 14 to 44.5 kg/m² (mean: 22.37 ± 3.77 kg/m²). Poor sleep quality (PSQI total score > 5) was reported in 24.2% of participants (18.5% males vs. 30.4% females). Additionally, 66.3% were categorized as “morning larks,” and 16.9% experienced a sleep latency of over 30 min. 97% of participants achieved a sleep efficiency of over 85%. Significant correlations were observed between acute stress and sleep duration, sleep latency, and sleep efficiency (p < 0.001). Screen time, social jet lag, and sleep quality also significantly correlated with acute stress (p < 0.05). However, no significant associations were found between acute stress and physical activity or chronotype.

A significant number of participants with acute stress experienced poor sleep quality, reduced sleep efficiency, and prolonged sleep latency. Social jet lag and increased screen time are also linked to acute stress. These findings highlight an emerging public health issue that calls for the urgent implementation of targeted interventions.