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Influencing daily functioning, mental well-being, and overall quality of life, sleep quality is crucial to human physiology. Medical students, facing intense academic demands, often grapple with sleep disturbances, impairing their performance. This study at the University of Lusaka delves into the relationship between sleep hygiene, quality of life, and academic performance, drawing insights from esteemed organizations like the Institute of Medicine Committee on Sleep Medicine and Research (2006) and the World Health Organization (1999). Alarming results show 44.23% of students had poor sleep, averaging 6.7±1.6 hours. These challenges affected attention and cognitive functions adversely. Urgent interventions focusing on sleep quality and overall well-being are imperative, promising improved attendance, attention, and academic accomplishments, nurturing a healthier learning atmosphere and holistic student growth. The main objective of the study will be to investigate the relationship between sleep hygiene practices, quality of life and academic performance of medical students at the University of Lusaka in Zambia. The study had a sample of 497 participants that included diverse young adults (32.2% aged 18-25, 59.4% aged 26-35) with balanced gender representation (40.8% male, 59.2% female). Highest participation was noted in the lower academic year, Year 111 (17.9%). Prevalent issues in sleep hygiene (irregular schedules – 49.3%, excessive daytime napping – 58.4%) and stress-related factors (60.2%) affected participants. Positive social satisfaction (43.3% rated as 4) and effective stress management (36.4% rated as 5) were observed. Burnout was common (75.9% sometimes, 16.7% frequently), highlighting the need for mental health support. Participants showed dedicated study habits (55.5% studied 4-6 hours daily) and achieved notable academic results (39.6% received B+ in previous exams). Interventions addressing sleep hygiene, stress, and mental health are crucial for enhancing well-being and academic success. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the critical issue of poor sleep hygiene among medical students at the University of Lusaka, revealing its detrimental impact on their academic performance. The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive interventions tailored to enhance students’ sleep hygiene and overall well-being.
Sultana-Muchindu et al. (Wed,) studied this question.