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  • 0979 Observational Analysis...
    Adornetti, J P; Carlucci, M; Crowley, S J; Fleshman, C M; Jobe, S L; Wolfson, A R

    Sleep, 05/2020, Volume: 43, Issue: Supplement_1
    Journal Article

    Abstract Introduction Adolescence is associated with sleep regulatory changes that prompt sleep and circadian timing to shift later (delay). Poor quality, insufficient sleep, and misaligned sleep-wake schedules increase adolescents’ risk for physical and mental health consequences. Little data exists on potential sleep health risks and sleep-wake environments of juvenile justice facilities. This descriptive study examined the sleep-wake environment and daily schedules at juvenile detention and treatment centers in a Mid-Atlantic state. Methods Using our Sleep Justice Observational Checklist, researchers recorded number of windows in sleep and non-sleep areas, and number of beds in sleeping quarters. Illuminance was measured with a light meter during the daytime (standing, sitting, etc.) and averaged. Facility-level 24-hour schedules were obtained to determine youth’s daily routines during the observation period. Results In comparison to treatment centers, detention centers have earlier lights-on (MDet = 6:07 am, SDDet =:40 vs. MTreat = 6:54 am, SDTreat =:07, p = .04) and lights-off (MDet = 8:42 pm, SDDet =:36 vs. MTreat = 9:06 pm, SDTreat =:19, N.S.) times. Treatment center illuminance levels (M = 296.60 lux, SD = 150.30) were greater (brighter) compared to detention centers (M = 124.00 lux, SD = 60.40, p = .01). Per sleep area, treatment centers had more windows (MTreat = 7.84, SDTreat = 6.70 vs. MDet = 1.73, SDDet = .77, p = .02) and more beds (MTreat = 13.30, SDTreat = 14.00 vs. MDet = 1.46, SDDet = .96, p = .03) than detention centers. Conclusion Preliminary results indicate a variation in the sleep-wake environments and daily schedules in this sample of juvenile justice centers. Early lights-on and lights-off times can impose a higher risk for circadian misalignment in adolescents, though schedule consistency may reduce this risk. Ongoing data collection will help to further understand the sleep environment of adolescents in the juvenile justice system. Support Kolvenbach Research Grant, Loyola University Maryland