Sleep quality perception and romantic relationships in university students: cross-sectional study

Introduction: Sleep in adolescence is influenced by emotional states triggered by romantic relationships, which can be determinant in sleep quality perception. Objective: This study was designed to assess the association between sleep quality perception and romantic relationships, as well as its characteristics in late adolescent/young adult university students. Materials and methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in 443 subjects. Sleep quality perception was quantified using a validated diary for young persons. Individual attachment style, romantic relationship status and its characteristics were determined using specific validated measures. Results: Sleep quality perception was determined using five multivariate models that included statistically significant characteristics of romantic relationships. Higher sleep quality perception was associated with the level of satisfaction of a subject with the relationship and liking for the partner (p=0.035). The prevalence of romantic relationships in students was 64% (95%CI: 59.4-68.9). The individuals that were not in a romantic relationship experienced significantly prolonged sleep latency (p<0.05). Conclusion: Higher sleep quality perception in university students is associated with being in a romantic relationship and the attachment style. These aspects can be identified and intervened, if support systems of educational institutions recognize their potential importance for health, wellbeing and academic performance.