The Role of neuroticism and conscientiousness in affective functioning following partial sleep deprivation

Abstract

The present study investigates the relationship between the five-factor personality traits neuroticism (N) and conscientiousness (C) and affective functioning following one and three consecutive nights of partial sleep deprivation. The sample included 44 healthy young adults (age 18-35). Participants completed the self-report measure Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) in five sessions over an 11-day period; three baseline measurements and one measurement following one and three nights of partial sleep deprivation. Personality was measured by the NEO Personality Inventory 3. Total sleep time during baseline and sleep deprivation condition was controlled by actigraphy. The sleep restriction protocol was individualized and calculated to be the average of total sleep time measured during baseline measurement (7 nights) minus 2 hours. Data was analyzed using repeated-measures and mixed-design ANOVAs. Less positive affect was observed in the sleep deprived, compared to the rested, condition. Partial sleep deprivation did not cause an increase in negative affect. Following partial sleep deprivation individuals with low scores on N reported a significant reduction in positive affect and an increase in negative affect. Partial sleep deprivation did not cause a significant alteration in positive or negative affect in individuals with high scores on N. The level of C was unrelated to scores on positive and negative affect both before and after partial sleep deprivation. The study supports that the level of N is related to affective functioning following partial sleep deprivation. The results may have implications for individualizing sleep recommendations for individuals with low scores on N.