O022 Sleep disturbance amongst university students: a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study

Abstract Introduction A particularly at-risk population for sleep disorders is university students, who are biologically and environmentally predisposed to insomnia and delayed sleep–wake phase disorder (DSWPD). The present study aims to assess the prevalence of sleep disorders and common risk factors among Australian university students. With the progression towards online learning accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, university students’ preferences for remote learning and its impact on their routines will also be evaluated. Methods A cross-sectional study at one university was conducted across multiple campuses involving a survey containing several sleep and behavioural questionnaires; Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), PROMIS Sleep Disturbance and Sleep-Related Impairment, DSWPD Screening Questionnaire, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale. Results 1086 full-time university students completed this survey during the second semester of 2024. The proportion of clinical insomnia (ISI > 14) among the university population was 25.8%. This appears significantly greater than its prevalence in the general population of a similar age group of 11.3% measured in another Australian study. For insomnia risk factors including ADHD, anxiety and depression, the incidence of self-reported ADHD was 33.7% and severe psychological distress dictated by the K10 was 25.2% among university students. Whereas ADHD and psychological distress rates in the Australian adult population is 6.3% and 7.9% respectively. Discussion These results reflect international trends where insomnia prevalence among university students was also elevated compared to the general population of identical ages. Further analysis is underway to assess how diminished daily routines from remote learning may contribute to these findings.