Physical Activity Level, Insomnia and Related Impact in Medical Students in Poland

Abstract

Background: Specific academic environment and time spent on learning may lead to sleep deprivation and a sedentary lifestyle. Insomnia is the most common sleep complaint. The purposes of this study were to describe the prevalence of insomnia in medical students, and to examine physical activity levels and other behavioral factors associated with insomnia in this population group. Methods: We included 308 medical students from Poland. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to assess physical activity levels and the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) was used to assess insomnia among students. A multifactor model of analysis was used to analyze variables related to insomnia. Results: A share of 19.2% of medical students were inactive. Insomnia was reported by 36.8% of students. In the multifactorial model, variables such as smoking cigarettes (ß = 0.21, p < 0.001), consuming energy drinks several times a month (ß = 0.21, p = 0.024), or daily stress (ß = 0.44, p < 0.001) had a negative impact on the quality of sleep of medical students. Conclusions: Most medical students are physically active, however, approximately one-third of the medical students experience insomnia. This sleep problem is reported more often in students who experience daily stress or smoke cigarettes.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Physical Activity among Medical Students from the Western Balkans

“…Likus et al [27] in a study conducted in Poland indicate that most medical students do not engage in any form of PA, stating the lack of time due to faculty obligations to be the main excuse to engage in PA. According to results of the study by D ąbrowska-Galas et al [28], which was also conducted in Poland, more than 80% of medical students engage in regular PA. The same study shows that university schedule, availability of sports centers and increased knowledge of health benefits have been associated with regular PA [28].…”

“…According to results of the study by D ąbrowska-Galas et al [28], which was also conducted in Poland, more than 80% of medical students engage in regular PA. The same study shows that university schedule, availability of sports centers and increased knowledge of health benefits have been associated with regular PA [28]. Another study conducted in Poland which was done by Ilow et al [29] indicates low level of PA of pharmacy students.…”

Motives and Barriers for Regular Physical Activity among Medical Students from the Western Balkans (South-East Europe Region)

“…The result of our study indicates that students whose household income was above average, more often engaged in PA with motives stated were to feel better, to reduce stress, look better, and to lose weight, compared to the average and below average students. Dąbrowska-Galas et al [ 43 ], in a study conducted in Poland and Grujičić et al [ 9 ], in a study conducted in Serbia, indicate that the fact that the universities of the Western Balkans do not have programs that would enable free sports centers for all students, is the main reason why students from family with an above average household income are more often engaged in regular PA. Higher household incomes bring more chances to access more and better sports infrastructure, such as swimming pools, and other kinds of developed fitness equipment [ 9 , 43 ]. Berger et al [ 44 ], in a study conducted on students from the Višegrad countries, indicate that a better economic situation in the Višegrad countries provides more free time and opportunities for participation in regular PA.…”

Medical Students and Prevalence of Sleep Disorder Insomnia

“…Our findings were in line with those of earlier investigations. [20,21] According to the AIS scale, insomnia was reported by 50 (44.6 percent) of the patients, the majority of whom were female. More than 77% of Pakistani medical students reported having poor sleep quality, with 7.6% citing self-medication as the cause.…”