Sleep Disturbance and Perceived Stress among Young Adults Aged 20-30 Years: A Survey-Based Study

Sleep and stress are closely related aspects of wellbeing, and young adulthood is a period in which both are challenged by educational, occupational and social transitions. This study examined levels of sleep disturbance and perceived stress among young adults aged 20-30 years, the relationship between them, and differences by gender, educational qualification and occupation. A descriptive, cross-sectional, correlational survey design was used. Data were collected online from 100 young adults (53 males, 46 females, one not stated) using a socio-demographic sheet and a 25-item Sleep and Stress Questionnaire rated on a five-point frequency scale (Cronbach's α = .74, .82 and .68 for the sleep, stress and interrelation sections). Respondents reported moderate average sleep disturbance (M = 27.07, SD = 6.36) and perceived stress (M = 28.65, SD = 6.58); 60% had at least moderate sleep disturbance and 70% at least moderate stress. Sleep disturbance correlated positively with perceived stress (r = .38, p < .001) and predicted it, explaining 14.4% of the variance. Females reported significantly higher stress than males (t(97) = 2.48, p = .015, d = 0.50); the gender difference in sleep disturbance was not significant. No significant differences were found by education or occupation. Respondents most strongly agreed that sufficient sleep helps them manage stress. Sleep and stress should be addressed together in counselling, education and workplace wellness programmes.