Hello Mike,
Understanding Society data consists of multiple files, downloadable as a single zipped folder and released through the UK Data Service, in different formats. Researchers who would like to use Understanding Society need to register with the UK Data Service before being allowed to download the dataset. The majority of users would need the End user Licence (EUL) data which requires users to agree to the licence agreement online after which they will be given instant access to the data. Datasets which fall under this access level category include most of the data and only exclude information that could be disclosive. For further details, please visit Data Access section on our website.
There are some variables related to The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). These are:
The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)
Variable |
Label |
hrs_slph |
hours of actual sleep (hrs) |
hrs_slpm |
hours of actual sleep (mins) |
med_slp |
taken medicine to help sleep |
slp_qual |
quality of sleep overall |
tslp_30m |
cannot get to sleep within 30 mins |
tslp_cgh |
cough or snore loudly |
tslp_wak |
wake up in the night |
tsta_awk |
trouble staying awake during the day |
For socio-economic and demographic characteristics such as age, gender and occupation, you may refer to Understanding Society key variables
Measurements of height and weight are available in the main survey only for respondents aged 16 years and older in Wave 1. Information for young adults aged 10 to 15 is available in Waves 2, 4, 6 and 8. You can find these variables by searching for “height” or "weight" type of questions on the Mainstage Variables search
Some variables in mainstage survey (SN:6614) measure heart and blood health conditions. You can find these variables by searching for “hcond” type of questions on the Mainstage Variables search
In Waves 2 and 3 adult participants received a follow-up health assessment visit from a registered nurse. A range of bio-medical measures were collected from around 20,000 adults, which included blood pressure, weight, height, waist measurement, body fat, grip strength and lung function. This information is available in the EUL version SN: 7251 Understanding Society: Waves 2-3 Nurse Health Assessment, 2010-2012 and in the SL version SN: 7587 Understanding Society: Waves 2-3 Nurse Health Assessment, 2010-12 Special Licence. You may want to explore this information as well.
For additional details on each specific variable, please refer to the Mainstage Variables search section.
I hope this information is helpful.
Best wishes,
Roberto Cavazos
Understanding Society User Support Team