Poor sleep quality and daytime sleepiness in medical students: role of late bedtimes.

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed sleep quality and habits affecting sleep among medical students in Alagoas, Brazil. METHODS: An online survey was conducted using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and a questionnaire on caffeinated beverage and calming herbal tea intake, medication use, and daily screen time was administered. RESULTS: A total of 165 students participated, 56.36% of whom were female. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index results showed that 58.2% were poor sleepers, 15.2% had poor sleep quality, and 26.7% were good sleepers. Only 36% met the recommended 7-9 h of sleep per day. Shorter sleep duration correlated with poorer sleep quality and increased daytime sleepiness (rho=-0.5). No significant sex differences were observed. Participants were categorized as early-to-bed (51.5%, 23.9±4.9 years; 62% women) and late-to-bed (48.5%, 23.7±5.7 years; 50% women). The late-to-bed group showed poorer sleep quality, greater daytime sleepiness, and 1.4 h less sleep than the early-to-bed group (p<0.01). A later sleep schedule was significantly associated with poorer sleep quality, shorter duration, and greater daytime sleepiness (p<0.01). The semester of study did not significantly influence bedtime (p=0.45). No significant group differences were found in beverage or medication use. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the need for targeted interventions to improve sleep quality and duration by addressing late bedtimes and contributing factors to daytime sleepiness.