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Relationship between Sleep Pattern and Behaviour of Students of Health Sciences in a Nigerian University
Authors
1Shittu, Maryann Ademike, RN, RM, RPHN, BNSc, *1Anyebe, Emmanuel Ejembi, RN, RNE, RMHPN, FWAPCNM, PhD, 2Omoniyi, Sunday Oluwafemi, RN, RNE, RMHPN, MScN, 3Adesina, Kamoru, and 4Imam, Rasheedat. T., RN, RM, MScN
Correspondence:
Anyebe, Emmanuel Ejembi
Email: ejembianyebe@gmail.com; anyebe.ee@unilorin.edu.ng
ONLINE ISSN: 2645-2936
PRINT ISSN: 0795 – 6541
Editor-in-chief
Prof. (Mrs.) Ijeoma O. Ehiemere
University of Nigeria
Editorial Secretary
Dr. Goodluck I. Nshi
Aspen University, Denver, CO, U.S.A.
Assistant Editorial Secretary
Prof. Emmanuel Ejembi Anyebe
University of Ilorin, Nigeria
Institutional Affiliation(s)
1Department of Nursing Science, College of Health Sciences University of Ilorin, Nigeria
2College of Nursing Sciences, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
3Department of Nursing Science, Osun State University, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria
4Faulty of Nursing Sciences, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
Citation
Shittu, M.A., Anyebe, E.E., Omoniyi, S.O., Adeshina, K.A. & Imam, R.T. (2025). Relationship between sleep pattern and behaviour of students of health sciences in a Nigerian University. The Nursing Scope, 8(3), 96-107. ISSN: 2645-2936 (Online); 0795 – 6541 (Print). https://doi.org/10.59073/thenursingscope83/96-107
Keywords
Abstract
Background: Sleep patterns influence students’ daytime behaviour and academic functioning, yet sleep is often deprioritized in health‑science programmes with heavy workloads and rotating clinical schedules.
Aim: To examine sleep patterns among College of Health Sciences students in north‑central Nigeria and assess the relationship between hours of sleep and self‑reported behaviours.
Method: A descriptive cross‑sectional survey of 207 students used a researcher‑developed questionnaire (Sections: demographics, sleep pattern, sleep‑related behaviours). Data were analysed in SPSS v21 with descriptive statistics and chi‑square tests.
Findings: About half reported short sleep (3–6 hours/24h: 48.3%). Night awakenings were common (sometimes 45.4%). Frequently reported daytime effects included trouble concentrating (41.5%) and preference for being alone (46.4%). According to the behavioural ratings, about two-thirds (63.9%) had fair or poor behaviour, and 37.1% had average behaviour. Hours of sleep were significantly associated with behavioural category (χ²(6)=29.27, p<.001).
Conclusion: Reduced sleep duration is linked with unfavourable daytime behaviours among health‑science students. Addressing sleep hygiene may support concentration, mood regulation, and learning.
Recommendation: Provide student‑focused sleep‑health education, encourage consistent sleep schedules (target 7–9 hours/night), and integrate wellness interventions across academic and clinical placements.