Neuroticism Linked to Sleep Disruption and Well-Being in Teens

Research conducted by a collaboration of institutions, including the University of Delaware, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, has revealed significant insights into the relationship between neuroticism, sleep quality, and subjective well-being among adolescents. The study, published on October 29, 2025, in the World Journal of Pediatrics, indicates that neuroticism may indirectly affect adolescents’ well-being through disrupted sleep and decreased mindfulness.

Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to sleep-related issues, with studies indicating that up to 75% experience problems such as inadequate sleep duration and poor quality. This sleep disruption often coincides with a decline in subjective well-being, exacerbated by the pressures of academic and social demands. Neuroticism, characterized by increased emotional reactivity and stress sensitivity, tends to peak during this developmental stage and is consistently associated with lower happiness levels and greater psychological distress.

The research team analyzed data from the China Jintan Child Cohort, focusing on 543 early adolescents, to explore how sleep quality, chronotype, and trait mindfulness influence the relationship between neuroticism and well-being. Participants, whose average age was approximately 13 years, were assessed for sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and for neuroticism through the Big Five Inventory. Subjective well-being was evaluated with the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire, while trait mindfulness was measured in a subsample using the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire.

The findings highlighted that higher levels of neuroticism significantly predicted lower subjective well-being. Additionally, poor sleep quality was independently linked to reduced happiness, while adolescents with a moderate chronotype reported better well-being than those with a late chronotype. Despite these findings, interaction analyses showed that sleep quality, chronotype, and mindfulness did not moderate the relationship between neuroticism and well-being.

Using structural equation modeling, the study uncovered deeper insights into the underlying mechanisms. Notably, poor sleep quality mediated nearly half (47%) of the total effect of neuroticism on well-being. Those exhibiting higher neuroticism were more likely to face sleep disturbances, which subsequently diminished their happiness. In a further analysis, trait mindfulness was found to fully mediate this relationship, suggesting that higher neuroticism correlated with lower mindfulness, which in turn negatively impacted well-being. Chronotype, while independently associated with well-being, did not mediate the pathway between neuroticism and well-being.

The researchers explained, “Our findings suggest that neuroticism may influence adolescents’ well-being indirectly through sleep disruption and reduced mindfulness capacity.” They underscored the importance of identifying modifiable mechanisms like sleep health and mindfulness as potential targets for intervention, given that personality traits tend to be stable throughout life.

The implications of this research are significant for public health. Adolescence is a critical developmental period where emotional regulation systems are still maturing. Supporting healthy sleep patterns and enhancing mindfulness could potentially reduce psychological vulnerability among youth with higher neurotic tendencies. The study advocates for school-based sleep hygiene education, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia tailored for adolescents, and mindfulness programs designed for their developmental stage.

With more than one-third of participants reporting poor sleep, and a subset exhibiting late chronotypes, early screening and preventive interventions are essential. Integrating sleep assessments and mindfulness training into pediatric healthcare and school mental health services could facilitate personalized strategies for at-risk youth.

Future longitudinal studies are necessary to establish causal relationships and determine if such interventions can mitigate the long-term effects of neuroticism on well-being. The authors call for ongoing research to better understand these dynamics and improve emotional outcomes for adolescents globally.

For more detailed findings, refer to the article by Ji, X., et al., published in the World Journal of Pediatrics (DOI: 10.1007/s12519-025-00979-3).