[Sleep and vigilance in students]

A cross-sectional survey was carried out among students with the higher education system in Paris in November, 1992, during a medical exam carried out during their first year of study. The objective was to better determine the characteristics of sleep, vigilance and prevalence of sleep problems. This survey concerned 3152 students, 52% of them girls. The average age was 20 years +/- 2.38% of students felt they don't sleep sufficiently. Twenty one percent of students maintained that they experience sleep difficulties. Ten percent of students said they are sleepy during the day. Four percent of students take medications for sleeping. 3% of students snore regularly. The practice of a sport, living environment, the duration of daily transportation, remunerated work, and the consumption of stimulants all impact on sleep and/or daytime vigilance.