The State of Sleep Among College Students at a Large Public University |
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| Authors: | Kathryn M. Orzech PhD David B. Salafsky MPH Lee Ann Hamilton MA CHES |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior , Brown University , Providence, Rhode Island;2. Department of Health Promotion and Preventive Services , The University of Arizona Campus Health Service , Tucson, Arizona |
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| Abstract: | Abstract Objective: Data about college student sleep were collected and used to develop an education campaign to improve sleep. Participants: On-campus residents at a large state university were surveyed on 4 occasions, October 2005 to April 2007. Sample size was 675 to 1,823 students. Fall 2005 mean age = 18.5 years, SD = 1.03 (range 18–30) years. Initial survey included 935 males and 1,859 females (2005–2006). Matched pairs data (2006–2007) included 91 males and 107 females. Twenty-six males and 22 females participated in interviews. Methods: A survey administered online included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, along with an 8-question in-person interview. Results: Poor sleep interacted with academics and mental health, and an education campaign positively affected student sleep. Conclusions: Teaching students how to effectively manage sleep can improve their well-being. Sleep may also be a gateway topic for health care professionals to address sensitive health issues such as depression. |
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| Keywords: | college students health residence hall life sleep stress |
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