Effect of Stress on Sleep Hygiene Among 15-18 years Students of a School in an Urban Area of Burdwan, West Bengal: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Stress, a natural response to difficult situations is causally linked to morbidity leading to cognitive decline. A good sleep, required for somatic well-being and memory consolidation, is very essential. Hence this study proposed to study the effect of stress on sleep hygiene among 15 to 18 years students of a school in an urban area of Burdwan, West Bengal. Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the burden of perceived stress, determine sleep hygiene by assessment of excessive daytime sleepiness and find out effect of stress on sleep hygiene. Methodology: A cross-sectional study conducted in a school, chosen by purposive sampling among 99 students aged 15 to 18 years from December, 2022 to February, 2023. Information was collected by using self-administered structured questionnaire. Stress was assessed using Perceived Stress Scale and sleep hygiene was assessed using Epworth Sleepiness Scale for Children and Adolescents and association between them was determined. Results: Out of 99 students, 53.5% were males and 46.4% were females. The mean age was 16. As per PSS scale 67.9% of male and 67.4% of female adolescent students were found to be moderate to severely stressed. Around 71% of students below class 10 were moderate to severely stressed. Prevalence of poor sleep hygiene was around 19.2% in total. Although association between PSS and ESS-CHAD was not of statistical significance which might be due to the small sample size, a positive correlation between stress and sleep disturbances was established from the findings. Conclusion: Prevalence of stress was quite high among the participants. Poor sleep hygiene was prevalent and it increased with increase in stress. Early identification and management of stress through school-based health programs is required for adolescents for better academic performance and overall wellbeing.