Estimation of Day Time Sleepiness Using Epworth Sleepiness Score among Medical Students

Abstract

Physiologic and cognitive function in humans vary considerably with the circadian rhythm, which also regulates the sleep cycle. Sleep is an active, repetitive and reversible behaviour serving several different physiological functions. Medical students are a unique group of young adults whose academic commitments and lifestyle can have an impact on their sleep habits. The continual academic demand and choices concerning lifestyle might be the reason for irregular sleep/wake patterns and poor sleep quality among them. Sleepiness can be an apparent result of sleep deprivation and studies suggests a relationship between inadequate sleep during night and day time naps and its severity can be quantified subjectively using Epworth sleepiness scale

Objectives: To evaluate day time sleepiness using Epworth sleepiness score among medical students.

Materials and Methods: The study population included 130 first year MBBS students selected randomly based on their consent. Data was collected using Epworth sleepiness scale.

Results and Conclusion: The present study demonstrated the presence of excessive day time sleepiness among 45% of the students which is quite alarming as the number of subjects with day time sleepiness have been increased significantly compared to previous studies. Since a strong relationship is evident between good sleep quality and high academic performance, measures to improve the sleep quality among medical students need to be focused.