Prevalence of Poor Sleep Quality and Its Association with Lifestyle Factors among MBBS Students at a Medical College in North India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background:
Sleep disturbance is increasingly recognized as a significant health problem among medical students due to demanding academic schedules, irregular routines, and unhealthy lifestyle practices such as prolonged screen exposure and stimulant use. Poor sleep has been linked to impaired concentration, reduced academic performance, and poor mental well-being.

Objectives:
To assess sleep quality among MBBS students, determine the prevalence of poor sleep, identify lifestyle factors affecting sleep, and examine their association with sleep quality.

Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 MBBS students in a medical college in India using complete enumeration. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Poor sleep was defined as a PSQI score >5. Descriptive statistics and chi-square test were applied, and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:
The prevalence of poor sleep quality was 62.5%. Majority (60%) of students reported sleeping less than 6 hours per night. Increased screen time (>2 hours/day) was observed in 70% of participants, caffeine intake in 55%, physical inactivity in 65%, and study duration >4 hours in 60%. Poor sleep was significantly associated with screen time (p=0.001), caffeine intake (p=0.002), physical inactivity (p=0.003), and longer study hours (p=0.01).

Conclusion:
Poor sleep quality is highly prevalent among MBBS students and is significantly associated with modifiable lifestyle factors. Targeted interventions focusing on sleep hygiene and lifestyle modification are essential to improve student well-being.

Keywords: Sleep quality, MBBS students, PSQI, lifestyle factors, cross-sectional study