Chronotype and poor sleep quality in young adults – a pilot study on the role of rumination

• Published in: Sleep medicine 2022-12, Vol.100, p.206-211
• Main Authors: Nowakowska-Domagała, Katarzyna, Juraś-Darowny, Małgorzata, Pietras, Tadeusz, Stecz, Patryk, Mokros, Łukasz
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chronotype; Circadian Rhythm; Distinctness; Eveningness; Humans; Pilot Projects; Rumination; Sleep; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders; Sleep Quality; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1389-9457; 1878-5506
• DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2022.08.012

Eveningness has been associated with poor sleep quality and depression. However, chronotype has also been shown to be a multidimensional construct, not limited to a merely morningness-eveningness orientation. It has also been proposed that other factors may also mediate the relationship between chronotype and its mental health sequelae. This pilot study explores the role of rumination as a mediator between chronotype and sleep quality, chronotype and depressive symptoms. A sample of 144 participants completed The Morningness–Eveningness-Stability-Scale Improved (MESSi), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Rumination-Reflection Questionnaire (RRQ) and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D)). The results were tested using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, multiple linear regression and the Sobel test. Rumination was linked to poor sleep quality and increased depression. Morning affect and Distinctness (i.e. rigidity, or the subjective amplitude of the circadian rhythm) correlated with rumination. Rumination was a partial mediator of the associations between Morning Affect and sleep quality, Morning Affect and depression. Rumination may play a role in the association between chronotype (particularly Morning Affect and Distinction) and sleep quality and depression. The recognition of this association might serve as a basis for clinical psychoeducational and therapeutic programs targeting both adjustment of the circadian rhythm and rumination as a psychopathological sign. •Chronotype is a complex concept, not limited to morningness-eveningness spectrum.•Eveningness itself “wasn't associated with poor sleep quality.•Higher distinctness of preference is linked to poor sleep quality and rumination.•The importance of cognitive factors: rumination is associated with poor sleep quality.•Developing accurate, multidimensional ways of measuring chronotype is essential.