Sleep Management Strategies Among Medical Students At the University of Otago

Cassian J. Duthie, Claire Cameron, Kelby Smith-Han, Lutz Beckert, Shenyll Delpachitra, Sheila N. Garland, Bryn Sparks, Erik Wibowo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objectives: We aim to investigate factors which might affect the sleep of medical students, and how they currently manage their sleep. Methods: An online survey was sent to medical students at the University of Otago. Results: After adjusting for gender, ethnicity and age, depressive symptoms (Mild: odds ratio (OR) = 6.3; Moderate: OR = 18.1; Severe: OR = 15.6), and sleep hygiene (OR = 1.07) were associated with insomnia symptoms. Commonly endorsed strategies for sleep management by students were undertaking regular exercise (80.1%), having consistent sleep-wake time (71.3%), and limiting caffeine intake (70.3%). Few were willing to see a clinician (23.4%) or take medication (22.3%). Participants with insomnia symptoms were more likely to prefer limiting their alcohol intake (OR = 1.8), limiting daytime naps (OR = 1.5), seeing clinicians (OR = 1.9), and taking sleep medication (OR = 4.0), but less likely to prefer avoiding intense work (OR =.71) or minimizing using electronics (OR =.60) close to bedtime than those without insomnia symptoms. High sleep self-efficacy was associated with lower odds for having insomnia symptoms (OR =.74 (.70,.77)). Conclusions: Increased awareness and greater resources are needed to support the sleep health of medical students.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)448-459
Number of pages12
JournalBehavioral Sleep Medicine
Volume21
Issue number4
Early online date30 Sept 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023
Externally publishedYes

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