Poor sleep in adolescents is a major public health concern, with links to adolescents’ health, well-being, and school performance.

Click here to find out more and to take the survey.

We are an interdisciplinary group of researchers from the University of Otago, including researchers with expertise in sleep (Barbara Galland), cognitive well-being and mental health (Elizabeth Schaughency), and driving safety (Vanessa Beanland), and psychology honours student (Catherine Richie). We are conducting an online survey on sleep, thinking patterns, and driving in New Zealand teenagers.

In 2019, automobile crashes involving young drivers included just over 3,000 crashes in which there were minor injuries, 600 resulting in serious injuries, and leading to fatalities (Ministry of Transport, n.d). We want to find out about the sleep habits of New Zealand youth (aged 16-18 years) and how this may be related to attention and thinking patterns during the day and driving behaviour. Currently we know very little about the effects of poor sleep on risky driving. Information gathered from this survey will help fill some gaps in knowledge in this area.

Our earlier survey research suggested links between sleep and younger children’s daytime thinking patterns that are associated with children’s academic performance. In this study, teenage participants will be asked about their sleep habits, attention and alertness, aspects of personality, drivers licence status, and driving behaviour. Participants do not need a driver’s licence to complete the survey. The survey will take around 15 minutes to complete. Prior to conducting the survey, participants will first be provided with study information so they can make an informed decision about whether they would like to participate (information at the link below). After completing the survey, they will be provided with links for resources on safety information for young drivers and the effects of fatigue on driving.

Click here to find out more and to take the survey.

This study has been approved by the University of Otago Human Ethics Committee. If you have any concerns about the ethical conduct of the research you may contact the Committee through the Human Ethics Committee Administrator (ph +643 479 8256 or email gary.witte@otago.ac.nz). Any issues you raise will be treated in confidence and investigated and you will be informed of the outcome.

Reference

Ministry of Transport. New Zealand Government. Young Drivers. https://www.transport.govt.nz/statistics-and-insights/safety-annual-statistics/sheet/young-drivers