Compare the educational achievement of medical students with different circadian rhythms in difficult courses of basic sciences

Liaghatdar, Mohammad Javad; Ashoorion, Vahid; Maryam, Avizhgan

doi:10.4103/2277-9175.178806

Cited by 4 publications

(5 citation statements)

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“…The distribution between chronotypes is similar to that found in literature [ 5 , 6 ], with 52.7–63% of our students belonging to neither type. However, we found differences between the majors, with RN students having a similar distribution of morning and evening types, and a larger proportion of students adhering to neither type.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 90%

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Circadian Typology and Personality Dimensions of Croatian Students of Health-Related University Majors

Milić

Vranješ

Krajina

et al. 2020

IJERPH

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The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between circadian preferences and personality dimensions among 712 students of three different majors from the Faculty of Medicine, Osijek: medical students (MD), nursing students (RN) and medical laboratory diagnostics students (MLD). For the measurement of personality dimensions, the IPIP50 Big-Five questionnaire was used. The circadian preference of students was assessed using the reduced morningness-eveningness questionnaire (rMEQ). Several significant results were observed and there was a significant difference in circadian preference among the three tested groups, with RN students scoring highest on the morningness scale and MLD students scoring the lowest. RN students scored significantly higher on agreeableness and conscientiousness than the other two groups. On the other hand, MD students scored higher on intellect than the MLD students. MLD students scored the lowest on emotional stability scales. Morning type students had higher conscientiousness and emotional stability scores. These results imply that circadian preference and personality traits are crucial elements of medical professionals’ wellbeing. With this paper, we would like to raise awareness about common personality traits and adherence to certain circadian orientations in medical professionals as a motivation to introduce a more flexible view towards strict time and task divisions in everyday practice.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 90%

“…About 60% of the adult population is classified as neither type, while 40% are in one of the two extreme groups [ 1 ]. Studies show that most medical students (52.6% to 67.2%) are neither type [ 5 , 6 , 7 ], which is similar to the adult population.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Circadian Typology and Personality Dimensions of Croatian Students of Health-Related University Majors

Milić

Vranješ

Krajina

et al. 2020

IJERPH

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“…This effect is based on cortisol levels which increased earlier and have higher amplitude in morning chronotypes than in evening chronotypes; therefore, morningness-oriented students reach their peak performances in the morning hours and eveningness-oriented students have a peak performances in the afternoon (Hasher et al, 2005). Liaghatdar et al (2016) conducted research among medical students and concluded that evening students experienced academic failure in difficult courses, which required a more cognitive performance so there was a proposal to change the class hours of difficult specialized courses to the middle of the day. Enhancing the understanding and remembering abilities of morning and evening people were studied, and results of this study showed that immediate memory of morning people had a better performance in the early hours of the day and that of the evening people had a better performance in the evening hours (Song et al (2000).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Studies conducted at the University of Zurich led by Steven Brown (Roenneberg, 2012) showed that the natural biological rhythms of 50% of participants in the study were more or less out of step, and these participants often reported suffering from problems of insomnia or insufficient ability to concentrate on a task. Liaghatdar et al (2016) also described the sleep-wake rhythm and internal rhythm of the body as having an effect on the cognitive activities of people and different people show different performances at different hours of the day. So everyone's body clock is not the same, therefore some difficulties synchronizing natural rhythms with daily plans can exist.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Role of Circadian Rhythms Among Medical Students in Time Management Organization and Academic Achievement

Modna

Scott

2017

CBUP

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Time management is one of the biggest problems of medical students. In this study, we examined the circadian rhythms of medical students and factors which may affect academic performance: perceived stress, sleep quality, time management. Students answered a Morningness-Eveningness questionnaire, the Time Management Personal Assessment questionnaire, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Perceived Stress Scale questionnaire. The correlation (R=0.87) between chronotype and GPA (P<0.001) showed a higher GPA in students with morning chronotypes. The PSQI analysis demonstrated 47% of the students had poor sleep quality; a correlation (R= -0.56) between the PSQI and GPA (p< 0.04), supporting a link between higher GPA and good sleep. Results also showed a correlation (R=0.59) between time management and GPA (p< 0.01), implying that the students with excellent time management skills (17%) had excellent GPAs. Chronotypes, quality of sleep and time management, influence GPA and can be used as a guidance tool for academic advisors. UDC IntroductionTime management is one of the biggest problems of medical students. Good time management skills such as setting goals and monitoring the use of time can facilitate productivity and minimize stress, contributing to work effectiveness, maintaining balance and academic success (Al Khatib, 2014). Balduf (2009) recognized that poor time management skills can affect academic achievement negatively. Britton and Tesser (1991) found that the undergraduate students identified time management as their most pressing problem, which lead to anxiety, stress and poor sleep habits, and have a damaging effect on health and performance (Schneiderman et al., 2005). Not all time management methods work for everyone; (it depends on individual circadian rhythms (chronotypes). Understanding which circadian type is predominant in the body can help to assess what schedule is best. Laboratory studies which were conducted among medical students by Medeiros et al. (2001) showed that the irregularity of the sleep-wake cycle, the sleep deprivation, and internal desynchronization could be causing increased stress, and the stress could be influencing students' academic performances. Our body has daily rhythms of hormone concentrations, core temperature, and the sleep-wake cycle, all of which have wide spread effects on the function of the entire body (Saper et al., 2005). This rhythm is known as the circadian rhythm and is controlled by an internal body clock. Widely acknowledged individual differences in circadian rhythms, commonly called morningness and eveningness, indicate preferences associated with morning or evening activities. A morning chronotype is often awake between 6 AM and 10 PM and is most energetic in the morning. The evening chronotype is often awake between 9 AM and 1 AM and is most energetic in the afternoon and in the evening (Allebrandt et al., 2014). Studies conducted at the University of Zurich led by Steven Brown (Roenneberg, 2012) showed that the natural biologica...

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“…The n-back task has been used to examine working memory processing by looking at the P3 to detect differences in the working memory processingload [4]. Both the comparison and calculation arithmetic task can measure cognitive effort through the oscillatory power in theta and alpha frequencies [5]. The use of these tests can help determine the effects that the circadian rhythm has on cognitive function at various times of the day [6].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Effects of Circadian Rhythm in Adolescents on Optimal Performance in Cognitive Tasks

Clarizio

Gill

2022

URNCST Journal

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Introduction:The circadian rhythm is a sleep-wake cycle determined by differences in serum melatonin and cortisol levels, and affects cognition and behaviour. Past research suggests that young adults tend to perform better on cognitive tasks during the afternoon and evening, which may be the optimal time of day in this population. This research protocol seeks to determine whether cognitive performance is affected at times assumed to be optimal for both populations (evening) compared with suboptimal times (morning). Methods: Individuals would be recruited and divided into two groups: adolescents 13-17 and younger adults aged ages 18-25, with all participants of the afternoon/evening chronotype. Saliva is collected directly preceding test-taking. Each group completes a standard computerized test of simple math, logical reasoning, and executive function at both their optimal time of day (TOD) (3:00 to 6:00 PM) and at their non-optimal time of day (8:00 to 11:00 AM). Neuroelectric activity is recorded using electroencephalography (EEG). Results: We hypothesize that adolescents and younger adults will be at their optimal performance level (measured by EEG and behavioural measures) between 3 to 6 P.M. rather than from 8 to 11 AM, due to their circadian rhythm. We expect TOD to influence reaction times and accuracy during task completion. A difference will be seen across many neural indices such as event-related potentials (ERPs) and alpha and theta power demonstrating optimal performance in the evening. Discussion: Higher cortisol levels and changes in amplitude and latency of P3, N2Pc, N450, and PD ERP indices and differences in alpha and theta frequencies may be associated with optimal cognitive performance. This is related to faster response time, focus, and overall higher accuracy. Based on the anticipated results, one could alter the timing of task completion to fit different age groups' peak mental ability. Conclusion: Continuously working at non-optimal times could lead to chronic circadian rhythm disruption, which could result in the deterioration of physical and mental health. Aspects of everyday life, such as student test-taking times, can be improved to benefit both individuals and institutions by catering to an individual's optimal TOD.

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Compare the educational achievement of medical students with different circadian rhythms in difficult courses of basic sciences

Cited by 4 publications

References 31 publications

Circadian Typology and Personality Dimensions of Croatian Students of Health-Related University Majors

Circadian Typology and Personality Dimensions of Croatian Students of Health-Related University Majors

The Role of Circadian Rhythms Among Medical Students in Time Management Organization and Academic Achievement

The Effects of Circadian Rhythm in Adolescents on Optimal Performance in Cognitive Tasks

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