Sleep Quality and Negative Associated Behaviors of College Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to ascertain what negative behaviors college students are engaging in that could be causing them to have poor sleep. Participants: A total of 134 students completed the online surveys. Methods: An online sleep survey was e-mailed to health science department students at the College at Brockport. Survey questions included demographics, sleep patterns, living situation, and asked them to self-report their negative sleep behaviors. Results: Most students reported to live near campus in off campus housing. Students claimed to average 8-9 hours of sleep each weekday and weekend night. Of the top negative self-reported behaviors students submitted 23 students claimed their sleep loss was due to school work and studying. 18 students claimed poor sleep due to mental issues like stress and depression and 16 students claimed drugs, alcohol, and caffeine related stimulants lead to their poor sleep. Lastly 14 students reported going out with friends or partying lead to their poor sleep quality. The 64 other collected student surveys had a mix of answers that did not lend themselves to a particular larger theme or category. Conclusions: There are many college students that suffer from poor sleep quality overall. This study attempted to shed light on what may be causing these students poor sleep in general. College administrators and school related faculty could use these results in forming prevention strategies to help college students improve their sleep. This better quality of sleep could help improve overall academic performance.