Prevalence of Sleep Disorders and Its Impact on Academic Performance among Medical Students in Port Said University: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Sleep is essential for human health, with significant physiological changes occurring during sleep. Sleep disorders, which are prevalent among university students, can impair various bodily systems and negatively impact academic performance. Objective This study aims to estimate the prevalence of sleep disorders, academic performance and assess the relationship between academic performance and sleep quality among medical students at Port Said University. Methods This cross-sectional study included 438 medical students from the Colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Physical Therapy at Port Said University, conducted from March 2023 to May 2024. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire, which included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Academic Self-Efficacy (ASE) Scale. The PSQI assessed sleep quality across seven components, and the ASE evaluated academic self-efficacy. Results The median global PSQI score among participants was 7 (IQR = 4), indicating poor sleep quality in 67.1% of students. The highest median component scores were for subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, disturbances, and daytime dysfunction. The ASE scores indicated moderate-to-high academic self-efficacy, with notable deficits in time management and exam preparation among poor sleepers. Statistically significant gender differences were observed, with female students exhibiting higher global PSQI scores (p = 0.025) and greater sleep disturbances (p < 0.001). Medication-taking students, particularly those on vitamin/mineral supplements, also reported poorer sleep quality (p = 0.042). Notably, significant differences were found between academic grades, with third and sixth-year students showing higher sleep efficiency issues (p = 0.001). Additionally, specific academic faculties showed significant disparities in sleep disturbances, particularly Pharmacy students (p = 0.001). Conclusion The study revealed a high prevalence of poor sleep quality among medical students at Port Said University, affecting their academic performance. Female students and those on medication were particularly at risk. The results highlight the importance of addressing sleep health in academic settings to enhance student well-being and performance.