(1)Prof. Dr. Muhanad Yahiya AL-Mahna (2) Professor Kareem M Al Tameemi

(3)Ass. Professor Hameed AL-Hibaly

Abstract :

Background: Sleep disturbances are common among university students and may adversely affect academic performance and daily functioning. This study assessed the prevalence of sleep disturbances among medical students in Karbala, Iraq, and explored associated behavioral and functional factors. Sleep disturbances are increasingly recognized as a major public health issue among university students, particularly medical students. This cross-sectional study assessed prevalence, patterns, and academic consequences of sleep disturbances among medical students in Karbala, Iraq.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 254 medical students from medical colleges in Karbala during the 2022–2023 academic year. Data were collected using a structured sleep questionnaire distributed electronically. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used for analysis. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results: The mean age of participants was 20.53 years. Females represented 71.8% of the sample. Irregular sleep was reported by 62.7% of students. The most frequent sleep-related complaint was nocturnal awakening (60.6%), followed by excessive daytime sleepiness (29.1%). Approximately 42% required more than 30 minutes to fall asleep. Significant associations were observed between irregular sleep and bedtime habits, wake-up time, stimulant consumption, social media use before sleep, concentration difficulties, memory impairment, and reduced daily functioning.

Conclusions: Sleep disturbances are highly prevalent among medical students in Karbala and are associated with adverse cognitive and functional outcomes. Educational interventions promoting sleep hygiene, physical activity, and healthy technology use are recommended.