Daytime-sleepiness, factors affecting sleep and sleep-quality among professional college students of South India - A correlative study

Abstract

IntroductionSleep is a vital function that helps the body and mind to get recharge. Good sleep assists the body to remain healthy and expanse itself from diseases. Decreased hours of sleep and sleep quality directly impact the way of life a person lives, especially for a student. ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess and find the relationship between daytime sleepiness, factors affecting sleep, and sleep quality among students studying in professional colleges. MethodsA correlational study was conducted among 400 professional college students from selected colleges in south Karnataka, India. Data was collected using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and a structured questionnaire to assess the factors affecting sleep. ResultsThe study revealed that 192 (47.8%) of professional college students rated moderate excessive daytime sleepiness, and 220 (55%) of students had poor quality of sleep. There is a strong correlation found between sleep quality and daytime sleepiness (r = 0.569, p= <0.001), and a weak relationship between sleep quality and lifestyle and habitual factors (r = 0.201, p= <0.001), and environmental factors affecting sleep (r = 0.235, p=<0.001) while a week relationship was found between daytime sleepiness and psychological factors affecting sleep (r = 0.20, p=<0.001). ConclusionThe study highlighted the need to focus on creating strategies to help professional students with poor sleep quality to improve their sleep quality and quality of life. Thus, an informational booklet on sleep hygiene practices was provided to the students.