First year medical students are introduced in to a novel surrounding and in an overzealous attempt to fit in, accumulate great degrees of stress.Whilst various physical and mental parameters of health have already been assessed, it is important to assess another essential and overlooked aspect of their health too; sleep quality.The objective of this study is to assess the quality of sleep and sleep disorders of first year medical students and to assess various possibilities that could be the reason for their impaired sleep (if any).All healthy 1st year medical students from CMH LMC between the ages of 17-23 were included in the study.Pre-tested, and self-administered questionnaires, containing 3 basic sections; a bio-data form, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and a Sleep Disorders Questionnaire were distributed among the participants.235 forms were distributed, and 221 were completely filled; 63.3% of participants were female, and 36.7% were male.The mean global PSQI score was 7.59 ± 2.77.88.6% of participants were ‘poor’ sleepers (global PSQI > 5).There was no significant correlation with gender (p value=0.470), and social background (p value=0.954).52.9% of students suffer from insomnia or require further evaluation for insomnia, and 46.6% suffer from a circadian rhythm disorder.Our study not only indicates the presence of sleep disorder and poor sleep quality amongst students, but also the alarming severity of such disorders.Significant steps must be undertaken to improve upon the sleep hygiene of students.
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