The findings, based on more than 1,000 (1,113) men and
women attending university full-time, also show those reporting depressive
symptoms were almost four times as likely to suffer from inadequate sleep
habits.
Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) was a problem among
over half (55%) the students — they were almost twice as likely to have
depression or experience moderate to high stress levels. In addition, the study
highlights a gender divide, with poor quality sleep and EDS more prevalent
among females.
The authors warn stressors, such as course demands,
make college students vulnerable to sleep disorders which in turn affect
academic performance and health. They’re calling on universities to do more to
promote positive sleep habits and good mental health.
“Sleep disorders are especially harmful for college
students because they’re associated with several negative effects on academic
life,” says lead author Dr Paulo Rodrigues from the Faculty of Nutrition,
Federal University of Mato Grosso, Brazil.
“These include failures in attention and perception,
high absenteeism rate, and sometimes dropping out of the course.
“The university environment offers greater exposure to
factors that may compromise sleep habits such as academic stress and social
life. It’s crucial to evaluate and monitor sleep habits, mental health, and the
quality of life of students to reduce the risk of developing other chronic
diseases.
“University managers should plan the implementation of
institutional actions and policies. This is to stimulate the development of
activities that promote good sleep habits and benefit students’ mental health.”
Living away from home for the first time, using
stimulants that impair sleep and keeping erratic bedtimes are all factors that
make students vulnerable to a lack of quality rest at night. An average of
seven hours sleep has been reported by those attending college when nine hours
is considered the ideal for young adults.
Poor sleep and EDS in those attending university has
already been identified by studies, but few have investigated any link with
stress/depression. This new research is part of the Longitudinal Study on the
Lifestyle and Health of University Students (ELESEU) and used data from 2016
and 2017.
The authors surveyed 1,113 undergraduates and
post-graduates aged from 16 to 25 years who were enrolled in a range of studies
at the Federal University of Mato Grosso in Brazil. Participants were asked
about their sleep quality, EDS, socioeconomic status, and their body mass index
(BMI) was also assessed.
The data was used to estimate the level of association
between poor sleep quality/EDS, and depressive symptoms and perceived stress
levels. Results showed a significant link between these factors, and depressive
issues and moderate to high stress levels.
In addition to the findings on gender, a link was
identified between poor sleep quality and the degree course discipline.
Students studying biological and health sciences were more likely to be
affected as were those enrolled in social and human sciences.
The mechanism behind sleep disturbance and depression
is not unclear, as is whether mental health issues trigger poor quality sleep
(or vice versa). Hence, the authors suggest that more research is needed to
understand this interaction better.
Journal article: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03014460.2021.1983019
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