Sleep pattern among Undergraduate Medical Students of Various Medical Colleges of Kashmir.

Abstract

Introduction Sleep is essential for cognitive performance, emotional stability, and physical health. Medical students frequently experience irregular sleep due to demanding academic schedules and lifestyle behaviors. Regional data on sleep patterns among undergraduate medical students in Kashmir remain limited.

Objectives: To assess self-reported sleep patterns and associated behavioral factors among undergraduate medical students in selected medical colleges of Kashmir.

Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate medical students from Government Medical Colleges of Srinagar, Baramulla, and Anantnag in the month of September 2024. Data were collected using a structured, pilot-tested online questionnaire. Convenience sampling was used. Data were analyzed using Jamovi (version 2.3.28) statistical software.

Results: The majority of participants were females (76.7%). Most students reported sleeping after midnight (67.1%), and more than half woke after 8:00 am (53.4%). Majority of the participants reported sleeping 5–8 hours per night (84.9%), while 65.7% reported daytime napping. Bivariate analysis showed that late sleep (p=0.017), shorter sleep duration (p=0.034), and prolonged sleep latency (p=0.004) were significantly associated with poor sleep quality. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, late sleep (AOR=5.49; 95% CI: 1.47–20.54; p=0.011) and prolonged sleep latency (AOR≈0.03; 95% CI: 0.003–0.30; p=0.003) emerged as independent predictors of poor sleep quality

Conclusions: Poor sleep patterns were common among undergraduate medical students, with late bedtime and prolonged sleep latency identified as significant independent predictors of poor sleep quality. These findings highlight the need for targeted sleep hygiene, education and behavioral interventions to promote healthy sleep practices and improve overall well-being among medical trainees.