A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study to Assess Sleep Quality and Daytime Sleepiness among Undergraduate Medical Students in Central India

Abstract Introduction: The use of various screen modalities is rampant in the current age with potential impact on health, particularly sleep quality and daytime functioning. Medical students have a considerably hectic lifestyle due to their long career span, academic pressure, periodic examinations, and overwhelming work culture. In these work settings, sleep is compromised and this can affect their health and work performance adversely. Objectives: To assess the quality of sleep and daytime sleepiness in undergraduate medical students and identify factors responsible for poor sleep among them. Methodology: A cross sectional study design was used, wherein 234 medical students from MBBS I to III (Part 2) were selected by multistage random sampling. A pretested structured questionnaire was used for data collection, which included sociodemographic variables, lifestyle factors, and scales to assess sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) and daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale) in these students. Descriptive statistics and Chi square test were used for statistical analysis. Results: Poor quality of sleep was reported in 129 (55.2%) students. Excessive daytime sleepiness was reported in 68 (29.07%) students of which 16(6.93%) students had severe daytime sleepiness. Poor sleep quality was significantly associated with male gender ( P <0.00004), caffeine intake before bedtime ( P <0.00001), overall screen time per day ( P <0.0001) and exercise ( P =0.002398). Excessive daytime sleepiness was significantly associated with caffeine intake before bedtime ( P <0.0000) & overall screen time per day ( P <0.0000). Conclusion: The present study showed a high prevalence of poor quality of sleep and excessive sleepiness during daytime among medical undergraduates. Screen time & caffeine intake needs to be regulated for better sleep quality & to avoid excessive sleepiness during daytime.