Relationship between Alexithymia and Sleep Quality in University Students

Abstract

Sleep quality is important among university students because of its effects on academic performance. The need to investigate the relationship between alexithymia and sleep quality warrants attention. This study aims to investigate the relationship between alexithymia and sleep quality among university students. The present study was conducted with 1,192 participants who were currently enrolled at university. Participants were assessed using a sociodemographic data form, the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. A total of 1,192 participants were included in the study. Of the participants, 54% were female. The mean age was 21.94±3.31 years. Participants were divided into two groups according to their PSQI scores: a “good sleep quality” group and a “poor sleep quality” group. Statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in TAS-20 total scores and scores for Difficulty Identifying Feelings, Difficulty Describing Feelings, and Externally Oriented Thinking. Statistically significant positive correlations were found between PSQI scores and both Body Mass Index (BMI) and TAS-20 total scores. BMI and TAS-20 scores were found to be significant predictors of poor sleep quality. The present study suggests that there may be a close relationship between alexithymia and sleep quality. It is important for future studies to focus on the factors mediating this relationship.