A Cross-Sectional Study of Sleep Quality and Daytime Sleepiness in a Nigerian University Cohort: Insights from PSQI and Epworth Scores

Sleep Quality and Daytime Sleepiness in Nigerian Students

Abstract

Background: Sleep quality is critical for academic performance, mental health, and cognitive function in university students, yet data from sub-Saharan Africa remain limited. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, patterns, and predictors of poor sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) among undergraduates in a Southern Nigerian university using validated instruments.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 229 undergraduate students selected using a convenience sampling technique from medical and non-medical faculties at the University of Uyo, Nigeria. Sociodemographic and academic data were collected alongside the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) to evaluate nighttime sleep quality and daytime sleepiness. Both the standard Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and a shortened version were administered to assess sleep quality, identify associated sociodemographic and academic factors, and compare the psychometric performance of the two instruments.

Results: Overall, 119 participants (55.1%) exhibited poor sleep quality (PSQI > 5), with no significant difference between medical and non-medical students (p = 0.44). Excessive daytime sleepiness was identified in 62 respondents (28.6%), including 12 participants (5.5%) with severe daytime sleepiness. Sleep quality and sleep duration were significantly associated with excessive daytime sleepiness categories (p = 0.0027 and p = 0.0057, respectively), whereas no significant associations were observed with sex, socioeconomic status, campus residence, or roommate status. The shortened PSQI version slightly underestimated sleep disturbances but showed strong psychometric alignment with the full version.

Conclusion: Poor sleep quality and clinically relevant EDS are highly prevalent among Nigerian undergraduates across all disciplines and sociodemographic groups. The strong correlation between impaired sleep quality and daytime sleepiness underscores the need for institution-wide sleep hygiene interventions. The shortened PSQI also offers a practical, time-efficient screening option for large-scale student health assessments.