Sleeping Habits of Teenagers in a Multi-Cultural Community: A Case Study

Abstract

Sleep is an essential phase of every living being’s everyday life cycle. However,
activities engaged in this modern world by the teenagers cause lack of sleep,
resulting in negative impact. In addition, both restoration theory by Oswald and
Hibernation theory of Webb explain the results of lack of sleep to be causing
daydreams, restlessness in the body, having difficulty with memory, etc. Studies
done in this area highlights the cause and challenges of teenagers’ sleep deprivation,
but there are no direct studies done in relation with multicultural community.
Therefore, this qualitative research identified the factors of sleeping deprivation for
teenagers in a multicultural community using case study design. There were 12
participants as purposive sampling from the 70 countries representatives who are
residing in an International Higher Education Institution. Data were collected
through interviews, focus group, and observation. Upon coding the data, categories,
themes were developed. Findings revealed that the major causes are: activities for
the self (video games, watching movie, social media), mental activities (having too
much napping), and physical activities (house chores). Recommendations are
presented to both teenagers and the teachers who may deal with them in the
classroom.