Objective:Poor sleep patterns are common in undergraduates and may turn them prone to
mood disorders, substance abuse and impaired academic performance. The aim
of this study was to assess sleep disturbances among medical students, and
whether associations with academic performance, depressive symptoms or
substance use were present.Methods:Cross-sectional study in which 544 medical students of the Pontificia
Universidad Javeriana in Bogota, Colombia were included. Using a
computer-based survey, self-reported variables were assessed, including
demographics, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness
Scale (ESS), Berlin Questionnaire, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual
of Mental Disorders (DSM) - IV depression criteria, Grade Point
Average (GPA), and substance use. Associations between these variables were
obtained.Results:Fifty-four percent of students were women. Poor sleep quality (PSQI>5) and
daytime sleepiness (ESS>10) were found in 65% of the population. A higher
GPA was more frequent in students with good sleep quality (OR= 2.6
[1.5-4.5]), lack of daytime sleepiness (OR= 2 [1.3-3.1]) and low risk of
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) (OR= 3.1 [1.6-5.9]). DSM-IV
depression criteria were fulfilled by 26% of the students and were
associated with poor sleep patterns. Energy drinks use was associated with
poor sleep quality.Discussion:Poor sleep quality, daytime sleepiness and depressive symptoms are frequent
among medical students and are associated with lower academic performance.
The identification of students at risk and the implementation of targeted
interventions are warranted. Fostering adequate sleep habits and training on
sleep medicine may partly counteract these issues.