A Study on the Impact of Stress on Sleep Quality Among Adults

Abstract

The present study investigates the impact of stress on sleep quality among adults, highlighting the prevalence of poor sleep and elevated stress levels. Stress, a condition in which perceived demands exceed available resources, is known to disrupt physiological functions, including sleep. Good quality sleep, essential for maintaining physical and mental health, is often compromised under stressful conditions. The study employed an online survey using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to assess sleep quality and stress levels among 152 participants, aged 17-35, with a majority (96.1%) in the 17-25 age group. Digital media usage near bedtime was also evaluated as a potential factor affecting sleep. The results showed a high prevalence of both stress and poor sleep quality. Specifically, 80.9% of participants reported poor sleep, while 82.24% experienced high stress levels. Correlation analysis revealed a significant negative relationship between stress and sleep quality (β = -0.284, p < 0.01), indicating that higher stress levels are associated with poorer sleep. Age was also found to have a slight positive correlation with sleep disturbance (r = 0.202, p = 0.013). Simple linear regression further demonstrated that a unit increase in sleep duration was associated with a 0.589 reduction in stress levels.

These findings emphasize the bidirectional relationship between stress and sleep quality, with stress significantly contributing to sleep disturbances. The high prevalence observed underscores the need for targeted interventions, including stress management strategies and sleep hygiene education, to mitigate the adverse effects on health. Addressing these issues is critical for promoting overall well-being and reducing the long-term consequences associated with chronic stress and poor sleep quality.