Non-rapid eye movement parasomnias and sleep quality among medical students: Implications for academic performance: A cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND

Parasomnias are disruptive motor episodes during sleep transitions, classified into rapid eye movement (REM) and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) types. NREM parasomnias (arousal disorders) include confusional arousals, sleepwalking, and sleep terrors. Despite their potential effect on mental health, limited research exists among university students.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to ascertain the frequency of arousal disorders, their association with sleep quality, and their impact on the academic performance of university students.

METHODS

A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among medical university students, using the Arousal Disorder Questionnaire and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index to assess the frequency of arousal disorders and their association with sleep quality and impact on academic performance.

RESULTS

A total of 319 participants were included, with a predominance of females (66.1%) compared to males (33.9%). The mean PSQI score was 7.94 ± 3.55, with 79.9% of participants demonstrating poor sleep quality (PSQI >5). The prevalence of confusional arousals, sleep terrors, and sleepwalking was 49.2%, 38.9%, and 15.4%, respectively. Poor sleep quality showed a statistically significant association with confusional arousals (p < 0.001), sleepwalking (p = 0.013), and sleep terrors (p < 0.001). No significant association was found between sleep quality and academic performance (p = 0.382). Additionally, no significant association was observed between academic performance and NREM parasomnias.

CONCLUSION

Self-reported symptoms suggestive of NREM parasomnias were commonly reported among medical students and were associated with poorer sleep quality students (high PSQI Scores). Larger multicenter studies are needed to improve generalizability and explore awareness and perceptions.