P131 The impact of an online sleep education program on university students’ sleep knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Sleep is essential for optimising health and academic performance, yet university students consistently report poor sleep quality. We conducted a before-and-after study to determine if an interactive, online sleep course improved sleep (1) knowledge, (2) attitudes, and (3) behaviours among university students. Methods Undergraduate students completed the course from August-November 2020. The course involved activities that encouraged students to reflect on their own sleep behaviours and goals. Baseline data was collected through course surveys and students were invited to complete a 6-month follow-up survey via email. Results N=212 students completed the baseline questionnaires and n=75 (35%) completed the follow-up survey. Students retained at follow-up possessed higher baseline sleep knowledge and received higher grades. At 6-months follow-up, sleep knowledge increased from baseline (mean quiz score: 60 vs 84%, p<0.001). 85% of students aimed to increase their sleep knowledge at baseline and 91% reported that they were more knowledgeable at follow-up. 83% of students aimed to improve their sleep at baseline and 37% reported improvement at follow-up. 53% of students’ attitudes towards their sleep behaviours had changed from baseline. There was reduction in sleep latency (mean 33.3 vs 25.6min, p=0.015), but no change in total Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score at follow-up. Discussion Completion of an interactive sleep education course led to increased sleep knowledge and changes in sleep attitudes, with no meaningful change in sleep behaviours. Future interventions require careful design and evaluation, and should consider components of behavioural change (e.g. motivation, triggers) that go beyond the knowledge-attitudes-behaviour continuum.