Sleep Disruption and Its Impact on Academic Performance in Medical Students: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Medical students are prone to sleep deprivation and poor sleep quality. Insomnia and stress are commonly the cause of lack of sleep among students. This systematic review aimed to assess sleep quality that affects the academic performance among medical students by determining the components that help in identifying sleep quality in medical students, to identify how sleep quality affects the academic performance of medical students and determines the factors that cause sleep deprivation in medical students. We conducted a comprehensive screening through various database sources to extract data about the prevalence of poor sleep quality among medical students and its impact on students’ academic performance. Findings of the studies showed that the academic performance was significantly affected by sleep deprivation among the medical students and there was a significant correlation between sleep quality, academic performance and the factors affecting sleep quality. These findings calling for immediate attention in order to improve the students sleep quality as poor sleep quality is significantly correlated to their low academic performance. One study showed no significant difference between sleep and academic performance of students but sleep quality is significantly associated with elevated levels of stress. However, longitudinal study is needed to conclude for more certainty.