Daytime sleepiness and related factors in nursing students.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of the frequency and causes of daytime sleepiness in nursing students because it is an important factor in improving the health status of the students, controlling sleep problems, improving students' academic achievements, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of daytime sleepiness in nursing students and the factors associated with it.

DESIGN: A cross-sectional research design was used in this study.

PARTICIPANTS: Nursing students (n=382).

METHOD: Data were collected using a questionnaire prepared by the authors to assess socio-demographic characteristics, sleep habits, and problems of nursing students and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), which assesses daytime sleepiness. Descriptive statistics included numbers, percentages, mean, median, and standard deviation. Mann-Whitney U test (Z) and Kruskal-Wallis (KW) analysis of variance were used for evaluating the relationship between ESS scores and independent variables.

RESULTS: The prevalence of daytime sleepiness in the students was found to be 10.5%. Those in the 2nd grade, who were married, who did not consume coffee or tea, lived alone, regarded their own academic achievement as poor, and used the Internet during morning hours experienced increased daytime sleepiness. Moreover, students who talk in their sleep, grind their teeth, feel restless before sleep, experience problems in falling asleep, and wake up at night were found to experience increased daytime sleepiness.

CONCLUSIONS: Daytime sleepiness is a considerably common health problem in nursing students. This study found that daytime sleepiness is associated with individual characteristics, lifestyle and consumption habits, and sleep habits.