Understanding sleep procrastination through intolerance of uncertainty: The mediating role of fear of missing out among Generation Z

Sleep procrastination, defined as the voluntary delay of sleep without external constraints, has emerged as a growing concern among Generation Z, particularly in digitally saturated environments. This study investigates the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and sleep procrastination and examines whether fear of missing out (FoMO) mediates this relationship among Indian Gen Z adults. Grounded in self-regulation theory, the research explores how cognitive discomfort and emotional reactivity contribute to bedtime delay. A sample of 400 participants, predominantly students and single young adults, completed validated measures of IU, FoMO, and sleep procrastination. Correlational analysis revealed significant positive associations between IU and sleep procrastination (ρ = .235, p < .001), and between FoMO and both IU (r = .570, p < .001) and sleep procrastination (r = .168, p < .001). However, mediation analysis indicated that FoMO did not significantly mediate the relationship between IU and sleep procrastination. Additionally, no significant gender differences were found in sleep procrastination. These findings suggest that IU and FoMO independently contribute to bedtime delay, with IU exerting a more direct cognitive influence. The study highlights the need for culturally sensitive interventions targeting cognitive discomfort and digital emotional reactivity in Indian youth. By situating sleep procrastination within a psychological and cultural framework, the research contributes to a deeper understanding of youth mental health and self-regulatory behaviour in emerging digital contexts.