Exploring the Relationship Between Sleep Quality and Mental Health Among Medical Students in Gombe State University, Nigeria: A Quantitative Study

Background: Medical students face heightened risks of sleep disturbances and mental health challenges with studies indicating that up to 50% of medical students experience significant sleep issues and mental health disorders, yet limited research examines this relationship in resource-constrained settings like Nigeria. This study investigates the association between sleep quality and mental health outcomes among medical students at Gombe State University, with attention to gender disparities. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 225 randomly selected medical students (stratified by academic year) was conducted during the 2024 academic session. Participants completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21), and a demographic questionnaire.. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation, linear regression, t-tests, and chi-square tests. Results: A striking 70.7% of students reported poor sleep quality (PSQI >5). Mental health symptoms were prevalent: 43.1% had moderate-to-extreme stress, 35.1% severe anxiety, and 34.2% moderate depression. Poor sleep quality showed weak but significant correlations with stress (r=0.198, p=0.003) and depression (r=0.137, p=0.041), but not anxiety (p=0.111). Female students exhibited significantly higher stress (p<0.001), anxiety (p<0.001), and depression (p=0.003) than males, despite comparable sleep quality scores (p=0.077). Conclusion: Poor sleep quality and mental health burdens are pervasive among Gombe State medical students, with gendered patterns of psychological distress. Urgent institutional interventions targeting sleep hygiene, stress management, and gender-sensitive support are needed to improve student well-being, enhance academic performance, and foster a healthier learning environment.