Author Date

2026-07-22

Degree Name

BS

Department

Psychology

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Defense Date

2026-07-22

Publication Date

2026-07-29

First Faculty Advisor

Daniel Kay

First Faculty Reader

Kara Duraccio

Honors Coordinator

Ed Gantt

Keywords

Sleep value, Monetary sleep value, Sleep valuation, Ecological momentary assessment

Abstract

Objectives Sleep value is the relative worth individuals place on sleep. Although previous work has validated trait-level measures of sleep value, little is known about the valuation process that determines sleep’s value over time. This study examined hourly fluctuations in sleep value and identified predictors of these changes.

Methods Ninety undergraduates completed baseline questionnaires assessing demographic, sleep, and health variables, including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Values Inventory (VI), and Monetary Sleep Value Questionnaire (MSVQ). Participants completed hourly 24-hour surveys assessing activity, activity value/pleasure, sleepiness, sleep ability, sleep/wake desires and intentions, and willingness-to-pay (WTP) for sleep. Confirmatory factor analyses established latent baseline constructs, and dynamic structural equation models examined within- and between-person predictors of WTP across nighttime and daytime periods.

Results WTP peaked during nighttime hours, reaching an average maximum of $24.28 at 2 AM and minimum of $3.94 at 5 PM. WTP significantly increased when approaching midnight (p < .05). Within-person predictors included prior-hour WTP and desire for sleep, which were positively associated with WTP, and desire for wakefulness and plans to stay awake, which were negatively associated with WTP (p < .05). Between-person predictors included MSVQ willingness to accept payment for sleep loss, VI community/belonging, and PSQI sleep quality.

Conclusions Results suggest that sleep valuation is informed by both trait and state components. Momentary psychological states, including desire for sleep and sleep/wake intentions, emerged as consistent proximal predictors of sleep value. Findings support continued development of state-level sleep value measures to improve understanding of sleep-related behaviors and outcomes.

Download

Share

COinS