The prevalence of sleep disorders in students: The role of academic motivation, psychological problems, and sedentary behavior

This study investigated sleep disorder prevalence and associated factors among Malayer University students (N=386) using a descriptive-correlational design. Cluster random sampling was employed for a population of 6,000 students. Data collection utilized validated scales: Sleep Disorders Scale, Academic Motivation Scale, Brief Psychological Problems Scale, and Sedentary Behavior Scale. Analysis revealed gender differences in sleep disturbances: excessive daytime sleepiness (females 16.6%, males 23.7%), difficulty waking (males 36.1%, females 35.6%), and prolonged sleep latency (females 33.9%, males 26.8%). Academic level variations emerged, with associate students showing highest difficulty waking (52.4%) and doctoral students reporting most lecture sleepiness (35%). Regression analysis identified psychological distress as the sole significant predictor of sleep disorders (β=0.48, p<0.001), while sedentary behavior and academic motivation showed no significant association. These results emphasize the critical role of mental health in student sleep problems and recommend targeted psychological interventions through counseling and workshops to address underlying distress. The findings highlight the need for universities to prioritize mental health services to improve sleep quality and academic outcomes.