The sleep environment and its association with externalizing behaviors in a sample of low ‐income adolescents

This study examined the sleep environment and its association with externalizing problems in adolescents attending an alternative high school. Participants included 114 students (56% female, 91% Black, mean age  = 18.03, standard deviation [SD]  = 1.49) from an alternative high school in a southeastern city. Most participants reported sleeping in a bed (83%) and at their house (72%) for 7 nights in the past week. Participants reported an average of 2.34 (SD = 1.86) past‐week ambient sleep disruptions. Sleeping fewer nights in their own home and experiencing higher levels of ambient sleep disruptions were associated with delinquency engagement. Fewer nights sleeping in a bed and higher levels of ambient sleep disruptions were associated with a sign ificant arrest history. The sleep environment is important to consider when assessing sleep problems, particularly among low‐income adolescents living in urban environments. This information may inform comprehensive interventions to address behavioral health concerns.
Source: Journal of Community Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: ARTICLE Source Type: research