Sleep Quality, Perceived Stress, and Caffeinated Drinks Intake in Psychiatry Residents: A Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Psychiatry
• Sleep Medicine

Background:

• Medical residencies, particularly in psychiatry, are recognized as high-stress environments.
• Previous research on sleep quality and stress among Italian psychiatry residents is limited.
• Mental and emotional health issues are frequently associated with demanding residency programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate sleep quality in Italian psychiatry residents.
• To examine the association between sleep quality, perceived stress, and caffeinated beverage consumption.
• To address the scarcity of data on this demographic in Italy.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to 72 PGY1-5 psychiatry residents across two Italian University Hospitals.
• The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale assessed sleep quality and daytime sleepiness (EDS).
• Perceived stress levels and consumption of caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea, soda, energy drinks) were also recorded.

Main Results:

• A response rate of 97.2% yielded data from 70 residents.
• 44.3% of residents reported poor sleep quality, and 15.7% exhibited abnormal daytime sleepiness.
• Significant perceived stress was reported by 64.3%, with stress scores and coffee consumption correlating with poorer sleep quality.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights a high prevalence of poor sleep quality among psychiatry residents in Italy.
• Perceived stress and coffee intake emerged as significant factors associated with sleep disturbances.
• Longitudinal studies are recommended to explore causality and develop interventions for enhancing resident well-being.