Association between sleep, distress tolerance and mindfulness among college students: an examination of subscale scores

INTRODUCTION: Sleep issues are common among college students, negatively impact their overall academic performance, and are linked to their morbidity. Distress tolerance and mindfulness may attenuate sleep problems or its impact; however, only a few studies explore these associations among college students. This study aims to examine the relationship among sleep problems, distress tolerance components and facets of mindfulness. METHOD: Data from an online survey among 538 college students was analyzed. Measures include: demographics, sleep problems (one item), the Five Facet of Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and the Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS). Multiple regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Reports of sleep problems were related with lower distress tolerance (p < .001), including all the DTS subscales (p < .05). Unexpectedly, sleep problems were positively associated with mindfulness (p < .05). Non-reactivity was the only subscale of the FFMQ that showed a significant negative association with sleep above and beyond the demographics. Non-judging and awareness were positively related to sleep problems. DISCUSSION: Associations between sleep problems and distress tolerance were in the expected directions while associations with mindfulness were not. Examinations of mindfulness’ facets enlighten potential areas for intervention.