The effect of sleep effectiveness on examination scores of first year osteopathic medical students

Medical students frequently encounter high levels of stress and pressure, which can negatively affect their mental health and sleep quality, a key determinant of cognitive function and academic success. This study assesses the relationship between sleep effectiveness and academic performance among medical students. An observational, cross-sectional survey took place at A.T. Still University - School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA), involving participants from the 2027 cohort. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire was used and exam scores from the second exam of the fourth block were analyzed. For the purpose of our inquiry, the “Sleep Effectiveness” component score of the PSQI was used for our analysis. The results indicated a significant inverse relationship between sleep effectiveness and exam performance (R² = 0.087, p =0.000262), demonstrating that increased sleep effectiveness was associated with lower exam performance. The study highlights the sheer amounts of confounding variables in the preconceived notion that “,Sleep is the key for academic success.” This research suggests that academic performance is best explained by multiple variables rather than simply one. Future studies should investigate the long-term effects of sleep deprivation and explore interventions beyond sleep hygiene, including stress and time management strategies. Understanding the broader impact of sleep on medical education is essential for fostering better outcomes for students in both academic and clinical settings.