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This is a Cross-Sectional Study study.

September 10, 2025Open Access

Association Between Sleep Quality and Academic Performance Among Undergraduate Medical Health Sciences Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

SHShaimaa HassanAin Shams University NANawaf AlqahtaniRiyadh Armed Forces Hospital SASultan M. AlshahraniKing Khalid University

Key Points

Poor sleep quality negatively impacts academic performance and overall well-being among medical students.
67.4% of participants experienced poor sleep quality, with an average Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score of 6.7.
The study used standardized questionnaires to assess sleep quality and linked it to cumulative grade point averages.
Implementing effective sleep habits is crucial for improving performance and mental health among medical students.

Abstract

Background: Adequate sleep is crucial for maintaining memory, emotional regulation, mental sharpness, and general health. Students pursuing medical degrees frequently experience interrupted sleep patterns because of rigorous academic workloads and hospital duties, potentially harming both their wellness and educational outcomes. Aim: This study aims to examine how sleep quality influences academic performance in medical and health sciences undergraduates at Batterjee Medical College, Saudi Arabia, in the 2024-2025 academic year. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 175 medical students was carried out using standardized questionnaires, such as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), to assess sleep quality. The students' academic performance was assessed according to their cumulative grade point average (GPA). Results: A total of 175 medical students participated in the study, of whom 118 (67.4%) were male. Regarding age distribution, 95 (54.3%) were aged 18-22, and 41 (23.4%) were aged 23-27. The participants came from various specialties, including pharmacy, dentistry, medicine, physical therapy, and nursing, with educational levels ranging from preparatory year to postgraduate. Among the 175 responses received, 93 (53.1%) had an outstanding GPA, 13 (7.4%) had a good GPA, and two (1.1%) had a below-average GPA. The average PSQI score was 6.7 (±3.5). Poor sleep quality was reported by 129 (73.7%) of participants, while 46 (26.3%) reported good sleep quality. Key factors influencing sleep quality included caffeine consumption (157, 89.7%), family history of sleep disorders (38, 21.7%), psychiatric illness (25, 14.3%), and chronic diseases (10, 5.7%). Conclusion: Poor sleep quality is a common issue among medical students, negatively impacting both their academic success and overall well-being. Implementing effective sleep habits and better time management strategies is crucial for improvement.

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