0168 Sleep and Academic Performance in Korean High School Students

Abstract

Introduction: The objective of this study was to investigate Korean high school students' sleep and its relationship with academic performance. Method(s): The sleep surveys were completed by high school students in Daegu, South Korea. The questionnaires provided details for factors such as sleep quality, sleep and wake schedules, nighttime smartphone use, and a five-level grading scale pertaining to academic performance (A: 1-20%, B: 21-40%, C: 41-60%, D: 61-80%, E: 81-100%). Chi-squared test, independent t-test, analysis of variance and regression analysis were used to analyze the results. Result(s): A total of 691 high school students consisting of 279 (40.4%) boys and 412 (59.6%) girls completed the questionnaires. Those with poor sleep quality (Pittsburgh sleep quality index, PSQI >=8.5) resulted in 111 (16.1%) and depressed mood (Hospital depression scale, HDS >=8) resulted in 254 (36.8%). All students with high levels of academic performance tended to have lower PSQI scores (A: 5.29+/-2.58, B: 5.41+/-2.98, C: 6.00+/-2.65, D & E: 6.15+/-2.97), and the A-level students had significantly higher Morningness-eveningness questionnaire scores than those at D & E-levels students. Regression analysis shows that earlier departure time from school and higher nighttime smartphone use was significantly associated with worse academic performance in high school students. Conclusion(s): This study showed a close relationship between students' sleep quality and academic performance. The students with better sleep quality, morningness, and less nighttime smartphone use had a tendency to perform better academically. To improve academic performance, lifestyle modification should be considered as an important factor.