Sleep Deprivation, Sleep-Wake Disorders and Mental Health in Medical Students: A Systematic Review

Abstract

This systematic review aimed to investigate the prevalence, associated factors and impacts of sleep-wake disorders in medical students, with an emphasis on insomnia, hypersomnia, narcolepsy and depressive symptoms. We analyzed 32 studies published between 2013 and 2025, selected from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, SciELO and PsycINFO, according to the PRISMA criteria. The results revealed that insomnia was the most prevalent disorder, affecting between 34% and 68% of the students evaluated. Daytime hypersomnia was present in up to 47% of the samples, while depressive symptoms were identified in more than 60% of the students with sleep disorders. Narcolepsy, although rare, was recurrently underdiagnosed. A strong association was observed between poor sleep quality, poor academic performance, suicidal ideation and psychological distress. The studies also revealed a scarcity of institutional programs for the prevention and promotion of sleep health in medical education. The academic culture that naturalizes sleep deprivation contributes to the chronification of these conditions. Interventions such as mindfulness, regular screenings and curriculum reorganization have shown promise. We conclude that sleep disorders are a public health problem among medical students, requiring integrated approaches and structural changes in the medical training model. Keywords: Sleep-wake. Insomnia. Hypersomnia. Narcolepsy. Medical students. Depression. Academic mental health