Sleep Quality and Sleepiness Among Veterinary Medical Students Over an Academic Year

Differences in Sleep Quality and Sleepiness among Veterinary Medical Students at Multiple Institutions Before and After the Pandemic Induced Transition to Online Learning

Poor sleep health has been previously documented in veterinary medical students. However, it is not known how universal or widespread this problem is. This study evaluated Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores to measure sleep health among students at seven colleges of veterinary medicine in the United States (US). Inadvertently, the transition to online only learning due to the global COVID-19 pandemic was also captured. Veterinary students were found to have universally poor sleep quality and high daytime sleepiness. The transition to online only learning appeared to have little impact on sleep quality, but improved daytime sleepiness scores were observed. The findings suggest poor sleep health is common among veterinary medical students at multiple institutions in the US and that further investigation is necessary.

The Connection between Sleep Patterns and Mental Health: Insights from Rural Chinese Students

BACKGROUND

The association between sleep patterns and young students' mental health, which is crucial for their development, remains understudied in rural China. Therefore, the relationship between sleep patterns and mental health among primary and junior high school students in rural China was examined.

METHOD

A total of 1592 primary and junior high school students from rural areas of Gansu Province were surveyed, and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) was utilized to assess mental health, alongside self-reported data on their daily sleep patterns.

RESULTS

Significant sleep inadequacies were identified: 28% of students received less than 8 h of sleep on weekdays, and 19% went to bed later than recommended. On weekends, 38% of students had delayed bedtimes, though only 7.2% received less than 8 h of sleep. Notably, a "U-shaped" relationship was uncovered between sleep duration and mental health for students on weekends, with optimal mental health correlated with receiving 10-11 h of sleep, while both shorter and longer sleep durations on weekends worsened outcomes. This pattern is absent on weekdays. Additionally, adequate sleep and an earlier bedtime was linked to a 6-8% decrease in mental health risks.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers seeking to enhance student mental well-being in rural settings, emphasizing the importance of implementing measures that promote balanced sleep habits among young students.

Predictors of Psychological Well-Being among Veterinary Medical Students

This study evaluated associations between healthy activities of daily living, common stressors, and psychological well-being among 230 veterinary medical students at Kansas State University. Participants completed the Psychological Wellbeing Scale during the fall semester of 2019. Additionally, students provided information about specific stressors, healthy activities of daily living, and relevant demographic information. Similar to previous studies, participants in this study reported being concerns about heavy workloads, being behind in studies, inefficient study, and academic performance. On average, the students in this study ate fewer than three meals per day, slept less than 7 hours per night, exercised only twice per week, and spent an average of 83 minutes per day on social media platforms. A higher number of daily meals, more days of exercise, and more frequent contact with one's support system, particularly significant others and family members, predicted students' increased psychological well-being. In contrast, lower psychological well-being scores were associated with comparing oneself to others and financial distress. This study identifies potential activities that students can engage in to improve psychological well-being. The discussion section provides specific suggestions for intervention.

The validity and reliability study of the Cleveland Adolescent Sleepiness ​Questionnaire and examination of the sleepiness of university students

PURPOSE

This study aimed to determine the reliability and validity of the Cleveland Adolescent Sleepiness Questionnaire in Turkish university students, and to determine the sleepiness of students.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study was carried out with 852 university students in Turkey, Bolu, between February- May 2019.

FINDINGS

Results of the analysis indicated that this scale was a valid and reliable measurement tool. As the scores of students' get from Cleveland Adolescent Sleepiness Questionnaire increased, the frequency of students feeling sleepy during the day, sleepiness in and out of school, and getting up in the morning without resting increased.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Nurses can use this scale when evaluating university students' sleepiness.