Influence of sleep and family environment in the academic performance of adolescents

Abstract

Introduction: Changes in life and sleep habits are impacting the academic performance of adolescents.

Objective: Relate sleep habits in adolescents with academic and behavioural performance.

Methods: Observational descriptive, cross-sectional study carried out in 178 adolescents from “Conrado Duany Pulido” Junior High School (7th, 8th and 9th grade), from September 2016 - May 2018. Surveys were applied and there were identified behavioural disorders or learning.

Results: Males (67.2%) got grades between 41 and 84 points; the grades of females (60.7%) were between 85 and 100 points (p= 0.0005). Study was the most common evening activity in females (p= 0.0006); 82.6% of those polled referred to wake up frequently during midnight because of the need to use the bathroom (mainly females); in second place, waking up to eat (mainly males); and in the third place, to play with electronic devices or watch TV (49.3% males). 71.9% refered to have sleep disorders, 47.6% had somniloquism and somnambulism, 42.9% had restless sleep, 40.6% had nightmares. The most frequent disorders were: hyperactivity, frequent in the male sex, and slow learning (12.9%).

Conclusions: Adolescents have three times more chances of a better academic performance, with more study time and entertainment with tv programs as evening activity. Males play more in group and wake up in the night to play with electronic devices. Awakenings are very frequent. There is a high frequency of sleep disorders in both sexes, more hyperactivity in males and slow learning in females.