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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
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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

Journal: IRASS Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies
ISSN(Online): 3049-0073
Publisher: IRASS Publisher
Frequency: Monthly
Language: English

Sleep Quality and Academic Performance among Medical Students