Abstract:

Introduction:
Sleep, as an important biological process, affects not only physical but also mental health. During adolescence, sleep patterns are influenced by a combination of biological, environmental, and social factors. Biological mechanisms, such as dysregulation of the stress response and changes in circadian rhythms, are particularly pronounced during this developmental period. Insufficient or poor-quality sleep may negatively affect emotional regulation, cognitive functioning, and the ability to cope with stress, thereby contributing to emotional distress and depressive symptoms in adolescents. Frequent use of electronic devices such as smartphones, computers, and tablets, their excessive use, and communication with peers late at night, together with the strong need for social interaction during this developmental stage, may lead adolescents to prioritize social activities over rest and may negatively influence their sleep habits. Several research studies have reported associations between poor sleep hygiene habits and various mental health problems. For example, nighttime use of electronic devices among adolescents has been linked to morning fatigue, reduced motivation, and feelings of emotional exhaustion, while chronically shortened sleep may contribute to the development of depressive symptoms. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between subjectively perceived sleep quality and depressive symptoms in adolescents, with consideration of gender differences.

Methods:
The sample consisted of 92 adolescents aged 15 -19 years (44 boys and 48 girls). Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI; Buysse et al., 1989), a self-report questionnaire that evaluates seven components of sleep quality: subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, use of sleep medication, and daytime dysfunction. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II; Beck et al., 1996).

Results and Discussion:
Several significant relationships were identified between the examined aspects of subjectively perceived sleep quality and the level of depressive symptoms in the sample of adolescents. The results suggest a positive association between poorer sleep quality and higher levels of depressive symptoms. Adolescent girls reported worse subjective sleep quality than adolescent boys and also showed higher levels of depressive symptoms compared to boys. Sleep quality and sleep duration play an important role in the emotional functioning of adolescents and therefore represent a significant factor in the prevention and treatment of mental health problems in this population. Poor sleep quality and insufficient sleep duration may affect multiple areas of adolescents’ functioning, including personal, academic, peer, and family domains.

Acknowledgement:
The study was supported by the VEGA project: 1/0681/25: Sleep, Media Exposure and Physiological, Emotional and Behavioral Indicators of Mental Health in Slovak Adolescents.

Keywords:

Sleep quality, depressive symptoms, adolescents.