Exploring integrated science students’ sleep habits, vital statistics and academic performance in a tertiary institution in Ghana

Abstract

This research investigated the sleep habits, vital statistics, and academic performance of 60 integrated science students at the University of Education, Winneba in a crosssectional study. The findings revealed poor sleep habits, with over 70% of students reporting sleep deprivation affecting their academic performance. Students slept less during end-of-semester examinations due to heavy workload and learning activities. Academic scores were better in mid-semester examinations, with students performing better in biology and physics than chemistry. Systolic blood pressure levels exceeded threshold limits, with a strong negative correlation between sleep duration and blood pressure. A substantial association was found between sleep duration and academic scores. The study concludes that sleep habits significantly influence academic performance and health conditions. Policy makers and academic counselors should develop targeted interventions, such as sleep education programs, to promote proper sleep habits and mitigate sleep debt-related health issues among student