Obesity in Medical Students and its Correlation with Sleep Patterns and Sleep Duration

The setback of sleep deficiency and sleep related disorders is colossal among the general population. Sleep deficiency and irregularity in sleep patterns have also been a common occurrence among doctors, as well as medical students for many years now. The study is of great significance in the medical fraternity, as future doctors are highly susceptible to irregular sleep patterns and duration. Obesity is well-known disorder of the 21st century which is constantly on the rise, carrying with it the vast Variety of health related factors. The study included 200 medical students from the age groups18 to 24 years of which 98 were males and 102 were females. The students were examined thoroughly, so as to exclude those suffering from major diseases, psychological problems and those on medication. Obesity was determined by calculating the body mass index (BMI) according to the American journal of clinical nutrition. The grading of obesity into various grades between 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m2, was done according to the world health organization (WHO). Sleep patterns and duration were determined and assessed by using a standardized and validated questionnaire: the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI). After appropriate statistical analysis it was observed that 48 (24%) students belonged to the overweight category with BMI ranging from 30.0 to 39.9. Maximum number of students 68 (34%) had sleep duration between 5 to 6 hours daily with a mean of 6.16 and a standard deviation (SD) of 0.93. Irregular sleep patterns were observed in a near to majority of the students with a mean of 6.82 and a standard deviation (SD) of 2.42. There was significant negative correlation observed between BMI and sleep duration with a p value of 0.13, highly significant positive correlation was observed between BMI and sleep patterns (PSQI) with a p value of 0.007. Higher BMI was observed in that category of students having higher irregularity in sleep patterns and lower sleep duration.