Exploring the Link Between Sleep and Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome (CDS) in Young Adults: Integrating the Role of ADHD

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to: (1) compare sleep quality and sleep-related parameters in a Turkish adult population with and without CDS and ADHD symptoms; and (2) re-examine the relationship between CDS and sleep by exploring potential associations between sleep problems and CDS symptoms, while also examining the separate roles of sluggishness and daydreaming, as well as possible gender differences. Method: The study included 274 participants (age:18-35, 70.4 % female). The Adult CDS Ratings Scale, the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were used. The data were analyzed using SPSS 22 and AMOS 23. Statistical analyses included ANOVA with post-hoc Tamhane's test, Mann-Whitney U test, Spearman Correlation Analysis, and structural equation modeling with path analysis. Linear regression analysis was conducted to identify factors influencing daydreaming. Results: The study yielded four key findings: center dot Hyperactivity/Impulsivity and daydreaming were significantly associated with poor sleep quality ( (3=.309; t = 4.076, p < 0.001 for hyperactivity/impulsivity and (3=.223; t = 2.505, p = 0.013 for daydreaming) center dot Poor sleep quality was negatively associated with daydreaming and sluggishness ( (3=.147 for daydreaming, (3=.166 for sluggishness, p < 0.05), though this association was weaker compared to ADHD symptoms. center dot Sleep latency and sleep disturbances showed a significant association with increased daydreaming ( (3=.387 for sleep latency; (3=0.898 for sleep disturbances; p < 0.05). center dot Gender differences emerged: 1. Poor sleep quality was significantly associated with increased daydreaming and sluggishness in women ((3=0.157 for daydreaming and (3=0.167 for sluggishness) but showed no notable association in men. 2. Hyperactivity/Impulsivity was significantly associated with daydreaming in men but not in women ((3=.222) but not in women. 3. CDS symptoms in women showed no significant association with age, whereas sluggishness tended to decrease with age in men ((3=-.214). Conclusions: This study is among the first to explore the relationship between CDS symptoms and sleep problems in young adults, accounting for ADHD. Our findings highlight the significant association of hyperactivity/impulsivity and daydreaming with sleep quality, as well as the relationship between poor sleep quality and increased daydreaming and sluggishness, though to a lesser extent than ADHD symptoms. Notably, gender differences emerged, with poor sleep quality affecting CDS symptoms primarily in women, while sluggishness decreased with age in men. These results underscore the importance of considering sleep issues in the context of CDS and ADHD, particularly with attention to gender-specific patterns.