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Sleep Disturbances and Psychological Distress Among Dental Undergraduates

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research conducted by the Department of Anatomy at the ESIC Dental College in Karnataka, India, has investigated the association between sleep quality and psychological distress among first-year dental undergraduate students. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of sleep disturbance and psychological distress among these students, who often face high levels of stress and demanding schedules. The findings suggest a significant link between sleep quality and psychological distress, with students experiencing severe psychological distress being more likely to have poor sleep quality.

Key Takeaways:

  • 43.1% of students reported good sleep quality, while 57.9% reported poor sleep quality.
  • 32.4% of students experienced severe psychological distress, as measured by the Kessler's (K10) scale.
  • The F-Statistic analysis revealed significant differences in sleep quality across different psychological distress levels.
  • 43 students (43.1%) had a global score of 0-5 on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), indicating good sleep quality.
  • 52 students (51%) reported poor sleep quality (overall score of 6-10), and 7 students (6.9%) reported very poor sleep quality (overall score of 11-21).
  • As per K10 analysis, 33 students (32.4%) were likely to be well, while 13 students (12.7%) experienced moderate psychological distress.
  • The study's results highlighted the need to address sleep disturbances and psychological distress among dental undergraduate students.

Statistics:

  • 43.1% of students reported good sleep quality on the PSQI.
  • 57.9% of students experienced poor sleep quality.
  • 32.4% of students experienced severe psychological distress.
  • 51% of students reported poor sleep quality on the PSQI.
  • 6.9% of students experienced very poor sleep quality on the PSQI.
  • 32.4% of students had mild psychological distress on the K10 scale.
  • 12.7% of students experienced moderate psychological distress on the K10 scale.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Findings on Psychology and Psychiatry Detailed by Researchers at Department of Anatomy (Evaluation of Sleep Patterns and Prevalence of Stress Among Dental Undergraduate Students). Psychology & Psychiatry Journal. September 20, 2025; p 1664.
  • Evaluation of Sleep Patterns and Prevalence of Stress Among Dental Undergraduate Students. Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences, 2025;17(2):61-65.

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