Abstract
ObjectivesThis study examined the prevalence of sleep disturbances and mental strain in students from two European countries, Luxembourg and Germany.MethodsA total of 2831 students took part in an online survey, with 2777 students from Germany and 184 students from Luxembourg. Sleep disturbances were assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and aspects of mental strain using the Patient Health Questionnaire, the Social-Interactive-Anxiety Scale, the self-efficacy questionnaire and the test anxiety questionnaire. In addition, we also assessed students’ chronotypes.ResultsAcross the whole sample mean scores on the sleep questionnaires were above the cut-off for clinically relevant sleep problems, indicating an increased prevalence of sleep disturbances in students from both countries. Sleep quality was impaired in 42.8%, and 17.9% showed clinically relevant scores. Overall 25.5% reported elevated depression and 13.3% social phobia symptoms, while 45% indicated elevated stress levels. Sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, chronotype, depression scores, stress levels, test anxiety, and self-efficacy differed significantly between men and women, but there were no differences between countries.ConclusionsSleep disturbances and mental strain in students are common, with the current results replicating previous findings. Students from Luxembourg and Germany are affected equally.
Highlights
Going to university is associated with changes in lifestyle, with increasing autonomy in personal life
The total score was above the cutoff for good sleepers suggesting that self-reported sleep quality was impaired (M = 7.22; students M (SD) = 3.70)
42.8% had impaired sleep quality with a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) total score above 5, and 17.9% had severe sleep problems according to the PSQI (>cut-off 10)
Summary
Going to university is associated with changes in lifestyle, with increasing autonomy in personal life. Students’ social environment changes, as many move out from their parents’ homes into shared or single flats [1]. Variable starting times for university lectures and seminars in the morning often lead to changing sleeping patterns [2]. University students are at high risk for developing sleep problems, with symptoms such as difficulties falling asleep, frequent night awakenings, nightmares [3] and daytime impairments [2]. E.g. rising late, short sleep durations and non-restorative sleep concern especially university students.
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