SLEEP HYGIENE AND SLEEP QUALITY IN UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS

Abstract

Abstract

Background:Sleep is a fundamental biological necessity of the body and its quality is dependent on good sleep hygiene. Few studies have been conducted on these topics, especially in medical students.

Objective: To assess the association between sleep hygiene practices and sleep quality of medical students and their association with gender and place of abode.

Material and Methods::A four months descriptive cross sectional survey was conducted among 597 medical students of Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore, recruited through a convenience sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire consisting of background information, Sleep Hygiene Index and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Data was analyzed using Chi square, independent sample t tests and Correlation Coefficient (r). The cut-off point for statistical significance was p≤0.05.

Results: Students exhibited poor sleep quality (81%) but good sleep hygiene (76%). Sleep hygiene and sleep quality were moderately correlated (r = 0.35; p< 0.001). Poor sleep quality was associated with sleep latency (p<0.001), interrupted sleep (p<0.001), breathing issues (p=0.017), feeling too cold (p<0.001) or too hot (p=0.006), night mares (p=0.002), bodily pains (p=0.008), day time sleepiness (p<0.001), lack of enthusiasm (p<0.001). Poor sleep hygiene was significantly associated with erratic bedtimes (p=0.001) or wake up times (p=0.002), use of stimulants (p<0.001), mind alerting activities (p<0.001), emotional disturbances (p<0.001), using bed for other activities (p<0.001), uncomfortable bed or bedroom (p<0.001), working in bed (p=0.030) and worrying and planning (p=0.010).

Conclusion: Medical students need counseling on enhancing sleep quality and hygiene. Multi-institutional studies must be conducted to assess other influences on sleep.