Impact of Night Study Frequency on Sleep Pattern, Anthropometrical Indices and Peripheral Oxygen Saturation in Age-Matched Nigerian Female Students Prior to Semester Examination

BACKGROUND: Night-time study is a routine practice exhibited by public university and college students in Nigeria most especially before and during end of semester examination period. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: We investigated the impact of pre-examination night-time study frequency on sleep pattern, peripheral oxygen saturation (SPO2) and anthropometrical indices in age-matched Nigerian female students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 60 age-matched female subjects who emerged from simple random sampling were classed into irregular and regular night study groups using Visual Analogue Scale Questionnaire. Measurements of SPO2, pulse rate (PR), weight and height were done using pulse oximeter, weighing scale and meter rule respectively. Insomnia index (IN) and Day-time Sleepiness Indices (DS) were determined using sleep quality scale. RESULTS: Regular night-time study has no significant effect (P<0.05) on SPO2, PR and DS when compared with irregular night-time study group. However, students who reported regular night-time study exhibited significantly higher (P<0.05) IN, body weight and body mass index (BMI) when compared with irregular night-time study group. There was a positive correlation between IN and BMI (r=0.269, P<0.05). Pulse rate also negative correlated with SPO2 (r=-0.280, P<0.05) and BMI (r=-0.342, P<0.05). Pulse rate also negative correlated with SPO2 (r=-0.280, P<0.05) and BMI (r=-0.342, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of the study indicated that female students undergoing regular night-time study prior to examination exhibited higher body weight, body mass index and insomnia index.