The relationship between subjective sleep quality and examination scores of first year osteopathic medical students

Medical students frequently encounter high levels of stress and pressure, which can negatively affect their mental health and sleep quality, a key determinant of cognitive function and academic success. This study assesses the relationship between subjective sleep quality and academic performance among medical students. An observational, cross-sectional survey took place at A.T. Still University - School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA), involving participants from the 2027 cohort. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire was used and exam scores from the second exam of the fourth block were analyzed. For the purpose of our inquiry, the “Subjective Sleep Quality” component 1 score of the PSQI was used for our analysis.
The results indicated a significant relationship between subjective sleep quality and exam performance (R² = 0.0008, p =3.96x10-49), demonstrating that increased subjective sleep quality was associated with higher exam performance.
This research suggests that subjective sleep quality may have a significant effect on examination scores, but there are likely other factors involved. Future studies should investigate the long-term effects of sleep deprivation and explore interventions beyond sleep hygiene, including stress and time management strategies. Understanding the broader impact of sleep on medical education is essential for fostering better outcomes for students in both academic and clinical settings.