Taking interest in versus disregarding sleep information : Qualitative study exploring the adolescent perspective : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Health Science in College of Health at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand

Abstract

Adolescents in Aotearoa New Zealand (AoNZ) face unique biological, societal, and environmental challenges in obtaining sufficient sleep, which is essential for their overall health and well-being. Within AoNZ there is limited qualitative research exploring adolescent perspectives on sleep and their sleep behaviours. This study explored how adolescents engage with sleep-related messaging, aiming to understand their access to, interpretation of, and the impact of such information on their sleep practices. Using a qualitative design, three semi-structured focus groups were conducted with 19 adolescents (13 females, 6 males) from two schools in AoNZ. The analysis constructed two key themes: Taking interest in sleep information and Disregarding sleep information, which reflect the dynamic and individualised relationship adolescents have with sleep-related messaging. Participants reported engaging with information from both digital and real-world sources, with personal relevance and source types influencing their engagement with and acceptance of advice. Advice that resonated with their lived realities, particularly around academic and athletic commitments, as well as messaging on formats such as social media platforms were more likely to capture their interest. However, adolescents frequently dismissed messages perceived as impractical, irrelevant, or contradictory. This scepticism usually stemmed from conflicting advice or a lack of actionable strategies. While some participants demonstrated curiosity and trialled sleep advice, these efforts were generally short-lived due to perceived ineffectiveness and barriers such as school schedules, societal norms, and competing priorities. This study emphasises the interplay between personal agency, societal expectations, and environmental constraints, providing critical insights into the factors that may shape adolescent engagement with sleep health messaging. The small sample size limits the diversity of perspectives captured however this study offers initial insights on the context of adolescent sleep in AoNZ. It lays a foundation for future work exploring the nuances of engagement across different adolescent sub-groups. The findings have broader implications for the development of targeted, contextually relevant health promotion interventions to better align with adolescents' complex realities. These interventions have the potential to support adolescents navigate the challenges of maintaining healthy sleep practices while addressing structural and systemic barriers, ultimately contributing to improved adolescent sleep health outcomes.