Sleep disorders in high school and pre-university students
Célia R S Rocha1, Sueli Rossini, Rubens Reimão
1University of Campinas, SP, Brazil. crsrocha@gmail.com
Arquivos De Neuro-Psiquiatria
|January 19, 2011
Summary
Adolescent students face significant sleep disorders and poor sleep quality due to academic pressures. This study highlights the prevalence of sleep issues in high schoolers preparing for university.
Area of Science:
- Sleep Medicine
- Adolescent Health
- Educational Psychology
Background:
- Adolescence involves critical decision-making, such as university applications.
- Competitive selection processes can induce distress and anxiety.
- These factors are recognized as potential triggers for sleep disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of sleep disorders among students in their final year of high school and pre-university courses.
- To assess sleep quality in this demographic facing academic and transitional challenges.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 529 students (aged 16-19).
- Participants were recruited from public schools, private schools, and pre-university courses in São Paulo.
- The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was utilized to evaluate sleep patterns.
Main Results:
- Over half of the participants (52.9%) reported taking approximately 30 minutes to fall asleep.
- Moderate daytime sleepiness affected 45.9% (n=243), and 75.9% (n=402) experienced general indisposition.
- Sleep quality scores were comparable between male and female students.
Conclusions:
- The study population exhibited a notable prevalence of sleep disorders.
- Poor sleep quality is a significant issue among high school and pre-university students.
- Academic stress may contribute to sleep disturbances in adolescents.
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