Study objectives

This study was conducted to determine (1) whether the distribution of undergraduates who endorse insomnia or behaviorally induced insufficient sleep syndrome (BIISS) varied during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic relative to normal sleepers and in comparison to values reported pre-pandemic and (2) whether group (insomnia, BIISS, and normal sleepers) was differentially associated with health, stress, and academic achievement mid-pandemic.

Methods

Two hundred ninety-three undergraduates completed online questionnaires assessing demographics, global sleep quality, insomnia severity, health, and perceived stress; cumulative grade point averages (GPAs) were also collected for each participant.

Results

The proportion of participants in each group did not differ from the pre-pandemic values reported in Williams et al (2020). Relative to the normal-sleepers group, the insomnia group reported poorer sleep quality, greater insomnia severity, poorer functioning on measures of physical health, and increased stress; only 1 significant difference was found concerning the BIISS group. Group differences were not found on GPA.

Conclusions

Despite the various challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the distribution of participants by group was similar to those reported pre-pandemic. The insomnia group fared most poorly in terms of sleep quality, insomnia severity, physical health, and stress. As such, additional effort should be devoted to identifying undergraduates with insomnia to provide treatment that may improve their sleep and their health.

Citation

Lukowski AF, Kamliot DZ, Schlaupitz CA. Insomnia and behaviorally induced sleep syndrome in undergraduates tested during the COVID-19 pandemic: associations with health, stress, and GPA. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(2):261-269.