Journal of Psychiatry

Sleep Disruption Patterns in Young Adults Experiencing Depressive Symptoms

Li Hua^* Department of Psychiatry, East China University, Shanghai, China
^*Correspondence: Li Hua, Department of Psychiatry, East China University, Shanghai, China, Email:

Received: 01-Jul-2025, Manuscript No. JOP-25-30202; Editor assigned: 03-Jul-2025, Pre QC No. JOP-25-30202; Reviewed: 17-Jul-2025, QC No. JOP-25-30202; Revised: 23-Jul-2025, Manuscript No. JOP-25-30202; Published: 31-Jul-2025, DOI: 10.35248/2378-5756.25.28.763

Description

Sleep disturbances are a well-documented feature of depression, with a robust body of research supporting the association between poor sleep and negative emotional states. However, while general links between sleep quality and depression have been established less is understood about how specific patterns of sleep disturbance affect mood regulation, particularly in young adults. Given that the university years are marked by a high prevalence of both sleep disruption and emotional instability, this demographic warrants closer investigation [1]. This study aimed to examine how particular dimensions of sleep namely sleep onset latency, frequency of nocturnal awakenings and total sleep time interact with mood variability in a population of university students reporting elevated depressive symptoms. A sample of 200 university students aged 18 to 25 was recruited for the study. All participants completed a validated self-report questionnaire measuring depressive symptoms, ensuring that the cohort represented individuals with elevated but non-clinical levels of depression. To obtain objective sleep data, participants wore wrist actigraphy devices continuously over a seven-day period [2].

Actigraphy allowed for non-invasive monitoring of sleep patterns, including data on sleep onset latency (the time it takes to fall asleep), frequency of awakenings during the night and total sleep duration. In addition, participants maintained a daily mood diary throughout the same period, logging fluctuations in mood, irritability and cognitive difficulties such as concentration problems [3]. The analysis revealed several key associations between specific sleep parameters and daytime mood variability. First, longer sleep onset latency was significantly correlated with greater mood fluctuations during the day. Participants who took longer to fall asleep tended to report more intense shifts in emotional state suggesting that difficulties initiating sleep may contribute to instability in affect regulation [4]. Second, frequent nocturnal awakenings were found to be strongly associated with increased irritability and concentration difficulties the following day. This aligns with existing theories that disrupted sleep architecture undermines emotional and cognitive resilience. Finally, shorter total sleep time was linked to elevated reports of negative mood, particularly in the early morning. These individuals were more likely to begin their day with low mood, which often persisted throughout their waking hours [5].

Together, these findings underscore the nuanced relationship between sleep and mood among young adults with depressive symptoms. Rather than sleep being treated as a monolithic factor, these results highlight the importance of examining specific elements of sleep quality. Importantly, the patterns observed suggest a bidirectional influence, where poor sleep contributes to mood dysregulation and fluctuating mood may further impair sleep creating a reinforcing cycle. While previous studies have often focused on either total sleep time or subjective sleep quality, this study contributes to the literature by isolating individual sleep parameters and linking them to particular aspects of mood and cognitive function [6].

The implications for clinical practice are significant. Young adults presenting with mood irregularities especially those with subclinical depressive features may benefit from detailed assessments of their sleep patterns. Clinicians should not only inquire about sleep duration but also assess latency and nocturnal awakenings which appear to have discrete impacts on emotional stability and cognitive clarity. Interventions targeting these specific aspects of sleep may hold promise for improving overall psychological functioning [7]. For instance, strategies such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), mindfulness-based approaches or the use of wearable sleep-monitoring technologies could help reduce onset latency and awakenings, thereby promoting more stable mood patterns. Moreover, these findings carry implications for student mental health services. University students often face irregular schedules, academic stress and lifestyle factors that disrupt sleep all of which may exacerbate mood symptoms. Integrating sleep education and management into campus wellness programs could provide a preventative approach to mental health challenges. For example, brief sleep hygiene workshops or digital interventions designed to improve sleep onset and maintenance may be especially relevant for this age group [8].

Future research should continue to explore the causal relationships between specific sleep disturbances and mood regulation. Longitudinal studies would be particularly valuable in determining whether interventions aimed at improving sleep parameters lead to sustained improvements in mood stability. Additionally, examining individual differences in sensitivity to sleep disruption such as genetic predispositions or underlying anxiety traits could help tailor interventions to those most at risk [9]. In conclusion, this investigation adds to the growing evidence that sleep and mood are intricately connected particularly among young adults with elevated depressive symptoms. By identifying how distinct elements of sleep disturbance contribute to daily emotional variability and cognitive challenges, this study highlights the need for targeted, parameter-specific interventions. Addressing sleep issues such as prolonged sleep latency and frequent awakenings may be a promising pathway to enhancing mood regulation and overall mental well-being in this vulnerable demographic [10].

References

1. Agarwal A, Mulgund A, Hamada A, Chyatte MR. A unique view on male infertility around the globe. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2015;13(1):37.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed].

2. Luo X, Yin C, Shi Y, Du C, Pan X. Global trends in semen quality of young men: A systematic review and regression analysis. J Assist Reprod Genet. 2023;40(8):1807-1816.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed].

3. Sung H, Ferlay J, Siegel RL, Laversanne M, Soerjomataram I, Jemal A, et al. Global cancer statistics 2020: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries. CA Cancer J Clin. 2021;71(3):209-249.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed].

4. Shang B, Yao Y, Yin H, Xie Y, Yang S, You X, et al. In utero, childhood, and adolescence tobacco smoke exposure, physical activity, and chronic kidney disease incidence in adulthood: Evidence from a large prospective cohort study. BMC Med. 2024;22(1):528.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed].

5. Al-Fayez S, El-Metwally A. Cigarette smoking and prostate cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Tob Induc Dis. 2023;21:19.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed].

6. Jee Y, Jung KJ, Back JH, Lee SM, Lee SH. Trajectory of smoking and early bladder cancer risk among Korean young adult men. Cancer Causes Control. 2020;31(10):943-949.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed].

7. Asare-Anane H, Bannison SB, Ofori EK, Ateko RO, Bawah AT, Amanquah SD, et al. Tobacco smoking is associated with decreased semen quality. Reprod Health. 2016;13(1):90.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed].

8. Fan S, Zhang Z, Wang H, Luo L, Xu B. Associations between tobacco inhalation and semen parameters in men with primary and secondary infertility: A cross-sectional study. Front Endocrinol. 2024;15:1396793.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed].

9. Ranjit S, Midde NM, Sinha N, Patters BJ, Rahman MA, et al. Effect of polyaryl hydrocarbons on cytotoxicity in monocytic cells: Potential role of cytochromes P450 and oxidative stress pathways. PloS ONE. 2016;11(9):e0163827.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed].

10. Vartolomei MD, Iwata T, Roth B, Kimura S, Mathieu R, Ferro M, et al. Impact of alcohol consumption on the risk of developing bladder cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. World J Urol. 2019;37(11):2313-2324.

    [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed].