Main Article Content
Sleep pattern of medical students as seen in a Nigerian university
Abstract
Background: Results from several studies suggest a global trend of sleep insufficiency among the youths. This study determines the sleep pattern of medical students. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, we used a modified self-administered questionnaire adapted from Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index to determine the sleep pattern of students in College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Nigeria. Responses were submitted anonymously. Results: A total of 399 students participated in the study and their age ranged from 16 - 35 years.
Males constituted 64% of survey sample. The mean sleep duration of students were 6.4±0.84 hours during weekdays and 7.4±0.96 hours at weekends (p<0.05). Students went to bed later (23;15±1;30
hour) at weekends than during weekdays (22:58±1:30 hour). They also got up later from bed at weekends (6:42±1:28 hour) than during school days (05:36±1:09 hour) (p<0.05). Female students had significantly shorter sleep duration (6.9±0.98 hour) than males (7.4±0.9 hours) at weekend (p<0.05). About 30% of the respondents had problem falling asleep. Only 3.4% of the respondent had ever been involved in a sleep related accident, while 4% and 14% of students took cigarette
and alcohol, respectively. Conclusion: The study population had shorter sleep period than that recommended for their age. Gender had significant influence on their sleep habit. We recommend sleep educational programme from medical undergraduates.
Males constituted 64% of survey sample. The mean sleep duration of students were 6.4±0.84 hours during weekdays and 7.4±0.96 hours at weekends (p<0.05). Students went to bed later (23;15±1;30
hour) at weekends than during weekdays (22:58±1:30 hour). They also got up later from bed at weekends (6:42±1:28 hour) than during school days (05:36±1:09 hour) (p<0.05). Female students had significantly shorter sleep duration (6.9±0.98 hour) than males (7.4±0.9 hours) at weekend (p<0.05). About 30% of the respondents had problem falling asleep. Only 3.4% of the respondent had ever been involved in a sleep related accident, while 4% and 14% of students took cigarette
and alcohol, respectively. Conclusion: The study population had shorter sleep period than that recommended for their age. Gender had significant influence on their sleep habit. We recommend sleep educational programme from medical undergraduates.
