Sleep Hygiene, Sleep Patterns and the Impact of Sleep Insufficiency Among University Students in North India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Sleep-related difficulties are increasingly documented among university students and are influenced by pressures of academic work, extensive screen exposure, lifestyle behaviours and mental stress. Aim: To assess sleep hygiene behaviours, sleep patterns and perceived effects of sleep insufficiency among university students in North India. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 undergraduate students from 1st to 3rd year at Subharti Medical College, Meerut. A semi-structured, self-administered online questionnaire (Google Forms) assessed sleep hygiene, sleep patterns and effects of insufficient sleep. Ethical approval was granted by the Institutional Ethics Committee. Results: Among 250 respondents, 44% were male and 56% female. Common sleep-promoting habits included academic reading (72.4%), physical activity (83.2%) and calming methods (24%). Disruptive habits included tea/coffee consumption (62%), smoking (6.4%) and heavy use of electronic devices (89.2%). Although 94% felt that more than six hours of sleep were essential to feel refreshed, only 56% achieved this duration on weekdays. Reported consequences of insufficient sleep included low energy (80.8%), stress (74.8%), difficulty maintaining focus (74%), behavioural changes (71.2%), academic hindrance (70%) and feelings of sleep deprivation (62%). Conclusion: Findings show a gap between students’ sleep needs and sleep obtained; better hygiene improves wellbeing.