To Determine the Effect of Sleep on Anxiety, Depression and Its Correlation with Academic Performance in First M.B.B.S Students

Abstract

Introduction: Sleep deprivation causes serious health hazards. Anxiety and depression are common correlates found. There had been direct correlation with sleep quality and academic performances. Objectives: To determine the effect of sleep on the mental health i.e.  anxiety and depression among the first year medical students and also to see the effect of sleep, anxiety and depression on academic performance. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at Medical college, Questionnaire was asked regarding the time to fall asleep and duration of sleep. Hamilton’s anxiety scale and Hamilton’s depression scale was applied to the study group. Results: Mild anxiety (83%) is common than the depression (20%) in study group which may be the result of academic stress. The study also demonstrate severity of anxiety and depression goes hand in hand. The result also shows, depression and anxiety have indirect relationships with the duration of sleep that is as sleep hours decreases the anxiety, and depression score increases. The anxiety and the depression score were higher in the students who’s timing to sleep was after midnight, but the difference was not statistically significant as compared to the students who’s timing to sleep was before midnight. The study finding related to sleep and the academic score was not significant. Conclusion: Bed time may not affect the mental health but the duration of sleep is important to reduce the level of anxiety and depression. Duration of sleep may not affect the academic performance, but sound and adequate sleep is important for the mental health which may ultimately affect the academic performance.