Sleep related problems and academic performance in medical students

Objectives: Medical students are exposed to a significant level of pressure due to academic demands. The aims of the present study were: (i) to examine the prevalence of sleep disorders among them, and (ii) to investigate the relationship between sleep related problems and academic performance. Methods: Two hundred and ninety (174 Females, mean age = 20.3 ; range = 19–26 years) second year medical students completed a battery of questionnaires including questions about their sleep habits, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the reduced version of the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQr) and the Sleep Disorder Questionnaire (SDQ). To evaluate academic performance, students were asked to detail their average grades and the achieved number of university credits. Results: Results indicated a very high frequency of sleep problems. In particular, difficulties in sleep onset and no restorative sleep were evidenced. Females reported lower sleep quality than males, and showed higher scores in daytime sleepiness. The number of self-reported sleep problems was related to academic achievement, while no significant correlations emerged between academic achievement and circadian preference and daytime sleepiness. Students classi- fied as “Insomniacs” by SDQ reported lower academic achievement as compared with the other students. Conclusions: In line with previous findings, our study indicates an high frequencies of sleep related problems in medical students, and research in this area should now expand towards initiatives to improve general sleep education. Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.