Relationship Between Poor Sleep Quality and Body Mass Index Among University Students at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud...

Introduction A chronic lack of sleep can lead to physical exhaustion, negatively affecting university students' academic performance. The relationship between insufficient sleep and increased body mass index (BMI) has garnered significant attention. Obesity, weight fluctuations, and cognitive conditions contribute to poor sleep quality. Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between poor sleep quality and BMI, which may negatively impact academic performance among university students at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The study also explores whether changes in weight and cognitive status are linked to poor sleep quality. Subject and methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among 1297 university students from IMSIU. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed among students using an online survey. The questionnaire included sociodemographic questions, sleep quality assessed through the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and four subjective questions regarding weight and cognitive status changes over the last month. The study spanned from September 2021 to May 2023. The study utilized the chi-square test and a subsequent multivariate analysis to examine the correlation between poor sleep quality and high BMI, weight changes, and cognitive effects among students. Results The 1297 students were from various disciplines under science and humanities; 70.8% were females, and 48% were aged between 17 and 20 years old. Around 13.6% of students were obese, and 85.3% had sleep problems. In univariate analysis, the factors that influence poor sleep quality were high BMI, experiencing weight loss or weight gain, and experiencing cognitive effects like difficulty concentrating. In a multivariate regression model, experienced weight loss, weight gain, and cognitive effects were identified as the significant independent predictors of poor sleep. Conclusion The incidence of poor sleep among university students was high. The study identified increased BMI, weight loss, weight gain, and cognitive dysfunction due to lack of sleep as the influential factors in poor sleep quality. This study highlights the need for targeted interventions to improve sleep hygiene and promote physical well-being programs in this population.