Poor sleep quality and daytime sleepiness in medical students: role of late bedtimes.

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed sleep quality and habits affecting sleep among medical students in Alagoas, Brazil.

METHODS

An online survey was conducted using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and a questionnaire on caffeinated beverage and calming herbal tea intake, medication use, and daily screen time was administered.

RESULTS

A total of 165 students participated, 56.36% of whom were female. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index results showed that 58.2% were poor sleepers, 15.2% had poor sleep quality, and 26.7% were good sleepers. Only 36% met the recommended 7-9 h of sleep per day. Shorter sleep duration correlated with poorer sleep quality and increased daytime sleepiness (rho=-0.5). No significant sex differences were observed. Participants were categorized as early-to-bed (51.5%, 23.9±4.9 years; 62% women) and late-to-bed (48.5%, 23.7±5.7 years; 50% women). The late-to-bed group showed poorer sleep quality, greater daytime sleepiness, and 1.4 h less sleep than the early-to-bed group (p<0.01). A later sleep schedule was significantly associated with poorer sleep quality, shorter duration, and greater daytime sleepiness (p<0.01). The semester of study did not significantly influence bedtime (p=0.45). No significant group differences were found in beverage or medication use.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the need for targeted interventions to improve sleep quality and duration by addressing late bedtimes and contributing factors to daytime sleepiness.