Sleep Quality and Academic Performance among Medical Students
Sr No:
Page No:
10-16
Language:
English
Authors:
Sadeem Alzahrani*, Shahad Alqifari, Rafa Aladawi, Reema Houtan, Asayel Alhussain, Reuof Almzroa, Shaima Almaymuni, Wejdan Turki Alshehri, Salha Abbas Mirah, Sara Aldhayan, Reham Fahad Abdulkarem
Received:
2026-04-01
Accepted:
2026-05-02
Published Date:
2026-05-15
Abstract:
Background: Sleep quality is an important factor influencing student well-being, concentration,
and academic performance. Medical students are particularly vulnerable to disturbed sleep
patterns because of demanding academic schedules, prolonged study periods, and examinationrelated stress. Poor sleep habits may negatively affect educational performance and daily
functioning among university students.
Objective: To evaluate the association between sleep quality and academic performance among
undergraduate medical students.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 148 undergraduate medical
students from second- to fourth-year academic levels. Data were collected using a structured
self-administered questionnaire. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality
Index (PSQI), while academic performance was evaluated using self-reported Grade Point
Average (GPA). Sleep quality was categorized into good, fair, and poor sleep groups according
to PSQI scores. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square testing, and Pearson
correlation analysis. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Fair sleep quality was the most frequently observed category among participants
(43.9%), while 31.8% demonstrated poor sleep quality. Students with poorer sleep quality were
more likely to demonstrate lower GPA categories compared with students reporting healthier
sleep patterns. A statistically significant association was identified between sleep quality and
GPA categories (χ² = 15.34, p = 0.002). In addition, Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated a
statistically significant negative correlation between PSQI scores and GPA values (r = -0.29, p =
0.001), indicating that poorer sleep quality was associated with lower academic performance.
Conclusion: The findings of the present study suggest that sleep quality may represent an
important lifestyle-related factor associated with academic performance among undergraduate
medical students. Encouraging healthier sleep habits and balanced academic routines may
contribute positively to student well-being and educational performance.
Keywords:
Sleep quality; Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; GPA; Academic performance; Medical students; Cross-sectional study