Sleep quality and determinants of poor sleep among youth across educational streams: A PSQI-based assessment

Sleep is a vital yet often overlooked aspect of student well-being. This study evaluated sleep quality and its influencing factors among 750 students (ages 15–24) from five academic streams of education (High School, Arts & Science, Engineering, Pharmacy, and Nursing) in Thiruvalla, Kerala, using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). A significant proportion of students experienced poor sleep, with professional course students reporting the highest incidence. Key disruptors included late-night screen use, academic stress, and environmental disturbances. Notably, Nursing students were more affected by academic pressure, while screen time was a major issue across most streams. These findings underscore the need for tailored interventions that promote healthy sleep habits, reduce academic burden, and address environmental challenges to support student health and performance.