Association between bedtime and self-reported illness among college students: a representative nationwide study of China

Abstract

Objective: This study was to examine the association between bedtime and self-reported illness among Chinese college students.

Methods: Participants were 11,942 students, who were identified through a multistage survey sampling process. Sleep and illness status were obtained by self report. Both unadjusted and adjusted methods were considered in the analyses.

Results: The logistic regression model found that late bedtime was positively associated with self reported short and long-term illness (OR: 3.70 and 1, 79) after adjusting for demographic characteristics, short sleep duration, and mental disorders.

Conclusions: This study is the first to find a positive relationship between late bedtime and self reported illnesses in China or elsewhere. The findings underscore the importance of educating college students about the importance of sleep.

Keywords: College students; Illness; Sleep.