Students’ sleep quality during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020

Introduction: Sleeping is a cyclical physiological state in which there is a reduction in metabolism and consciousness changes. The synchronization of the circadian cycle with the environment and the body interferes with an individual's behavior. Insomnia or other sleep disorders are associated with stress and psychological suffering, which are common elements among students exacerbated by the general context of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the sleep quality of students during the COVID-19 pandemic, identify the profile of students more likely to poor sleep quality, analyze the main factors affecting this quality of sleep, and assess the sleep habits of students. Methods: An observational, longitudinal, and analytical study was conducted with participation of 396 high school students, 76 pre-university course students, and 384 university students. Data were collected through an online questionnaire containing the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, from September 29, 2020, to October 30, 2020. For the analysis, the obtained data were systematized using SPSS and Excel platforms, developing descriptive, analytical, and cross-frequency charts. Result: Comparing the results obtained in this study with other national and international research, several convergences were observed such as poor sleep quality and excessive sleepiness among university students, especially in the field of biological sciences, as well as the development or aggravation of sleep disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: In conclusion, the study found a significant influence of the pandemic on the sleep quality of students and pointed out its implications. Thus, considering the losses in sleep quality and quantity of hours slept, it is clear the dept of one of COVID-19 various consequences and the need to seek enhanced attention to patients’ complaints of sleep disorders when trying to assess global improvement of an individual´s health.