Prevalence of Stress and Sleep Disorders among Medical Students at Al-Kindy College of Medicine and its impact on Academic Performance

Abstract

Introduction: Sleep, an essential therapeutic part of human physiology, Sleep problems was widespread among students in medical colleges, and excessive stress and the pressure of holding grades can affect their sleep quality. The relationship between sleep, stress and cognition/learning is far more complex than perceived. Material and Method: Cross sectional study was conducted in Al-Kindy College of Medicine, during the period from (2022 to 2023) academic year. The electronic questionnaire was distributed among all students. Analysis of data was carried out using IBM SPSS version 24. Results: A total of (500) medical students' online surveys were analyzed from AL-Kindy College of Medicine, The highest number of participants was from the fifth year with (114) students, and percentage of (22.8%), whereas the lowest number of participants was from the second year with (68) students (13.6%). There were about (258) male with percentage of (51.6%), and (242) female with percentage of (48.4) participated in this study. The majority of students (160) with percentage of (32%) were sleeping (6) hours/day, and a minority (1) student with percentage of (0.2%) had 3 hours sleeping/day. There was a significant relationship between sleep hours and sleep deprivation like, about (297) students, with prevalence of (59.4%) agreed that sleeplessness negatively affected their academic performance, while (41) students with percentage of (8.2%) disagreed. According to the effect of stress, the prevalence of sleep disorders among undergraduate medical students was shown that (169) students with percentage of (33.8%), were always stressed, while (34) students with percentage of (6.8 %), were rarely affected by stress. According to the causes of stress, the majority of students (198), with percentage of (39.6%), were had too much study, while (1) student, with percentage of (0.2%), was had no significant reason. Other (174) students, with percentage of (34.8%), were under stress because of exams and (127) students, with percentage of (25.4%), were under stress because of life events. Conclusions: Sleep disorders are common among medical students. The study also reveals that there is a strong, positive and significant relationship between stress levels sources of stress and sleep deprivation which is associated with poor academic performance. Recommendations: Keeping bedtime and wake time consistent, including on weekends. Regular activity helps promote a good night's sleep. Also schedule exercise at least a few hours before bedtime and avoid stimulating activities before bedtime. Further research is required in this field.