Factors associated with sleep deprivation and their impact on academic performance of hostelites of twin cities of Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the factors associated with sleep deprivation and their impact on academic performance of students living in a hostel setting.

METHODS

It was a correlational study conducted from January to June, 2018 in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan, and comprised university students of either sex aged 18-25 years who were studying at different universities of the twin cities. A semi-structured questionnaire was used along with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index to collect data which was analysed using SPSS 21.

RESULTS

Of the 850 students, 450(50%) each were males and females. The overall mean age was 21.10±1.84 years. There was academic stress in 672(79%) students which disturbed the normal sleep cycle. Other factors affecting students; sleep were financial issues 632(74%), uncomfortable bed mattresses 671(79%), environmental noise 468 (53%), poor ventilation 666 (78%), hostel near commercial places 233(27%), and the habit of playing mobile games 545(65%). Female students had more sleep problems than males (p<0.05). Bivariate correlation showed no association of these factors and cumulative grade point average (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

The most common factors found to be influencing hostelites' sleep were stress, financial issues, uncomfortable mattresses, environmental noise and playing games on mobile before sleep. Disturbed sleep did not affect academic performance.