ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND Sleep disorders and sleep deprivation are major global health issues, exacerbated in undergraduates due to stress, heavy course schedules, use of technology, caffeine consumption for studying and socializing into late hours. This impacts their mental health, decreases academic performance, increases anxiety and depression in university students as well as negative impacts on attention, memory recall, and cognitive function. A significant proportion of undergraduate students likely experience sleep disturbances, and thus further research is warranted to appreciate the burden and implications of poor sleep in this population, with implications for interventions targeting later bedtimes that aim to enhance academic performance. OBJECTIVES This study aims to understand the current knowledge of Sleep disorders and Sleep deprivation as well as to assess the sleep quality, possible influencing factors, and prevalence of sleep disorders among undergraduate students of the University of Benin. The findings can help in creating specific interventional programs to improve overall sleep quality, ultimately reducing the harmful effect of sleep disorders and sleep deprivation on academics as well as health. MATERIALS AND METHODS This research was conducted at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) in Ovia North-East Local Government Area (LGA), Benin City, Edo State. A sample size of 450 respondents aged 17-45 years was determined using Cochran’s formula. This research employed a descriptive crosssectional study using a stratified sampling technique. Data was collected through a structured selfadministered questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25. The level of significance was set at p= < 0.05. Data presentation included the use of frequency tables, charts, and prose. xiv Data analysis involved Chi-square, Univariate, and Bivariate analysis, as well as Binary logistics regression. RESULT Respondents with a mean age of 22.4±3.3SD participated in this study. About two-thirds 275 (61.1%), and 303 (67.3%) had good knowledge of sleep disorders and sleep deprivation respectively. More than half had poor sleep quality 239 (53.1%). Insomnia was the most prevalent disorder among the respondents 228 (50.7%). Faculty (p=<0.001), academic level (p=<0.001), and religion (p=0.014) were statistically associated with knowledge of sleep disorders among respondents. More than two-thirds of the students 303 (67.3%) had good knowledge of Sleep deprivation. Sex (p=0.040), Faculty (p=<0.010), and academic level (p=<0.015) were statistically associated with knowledge of sleep deprivation among respondents. The current academic level (p-value=0.003), place of residence (p-value=0.004), marital status (p-value=0.035), and monthly income (p-value=0.022) were statistically associated with sleep quality among respondents. The sex of the respondents (p-value= 0.031), place of residence (p-value=0.014), and monthly income (p-value=0.003) were statistically associated prevalence of sleep disorders among respondents. CONCLUSION Sleep disorders and Sleep deprivation present a complex challenge with significant health implications. There is often a lack of knowledge and poor sleep practices among undergraduate students. This calls for comprehensive health education, enhancing an improved academic curriculum, and promoting sleep meditation exercises, to enhance better health and academic outcomes. KEYWORDS Sleep disorders, Sleep deprivation, Sleep quality, Knowledge, Undergraduate students, Prevalence, University, Insomnia, Cognitive functioning, Mental health, Academic performance, Anxiety, Depression, Stress.
