Sleep Hygiene Practices and Their Association with Sleep Quality Among Undergraduate College Students of a North Indian City: A Cross-Sectional Study

Authors

  • Manju Rani Public Health Specialist, Apex Regional STD Centre, Department of Dermatology and STDs, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi image/svg+xml Author
  • Harpreet Kaur Statistician cum Associate professor, Department of Community Medicine, Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College, Karnal, Haryana image/svg+xml Author
  • Nitika Sharma Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College, Karnal, Haryana image/svg+xml Author
  • Mukesh Nagar Chief Medical Officer- Non- functional Specialist Grade, Department of Oncology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51957/Healthline_865_2026

Keywords:

Sleep hygiene, Sleep quality, Students

Abstract

Introduction: Sleep hygiene refers to behavioural and environmental practices that promote healthy and restorative sleep.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess sleep hygiene practices and their association with sleep quality among undergraduate students in a North Indian city.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 600 randomly selected undergraduate students of four colleges. Data were collected using a Google form having a semi-structured questionnaire, Sleep Hygiene Index, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and multiple linear regression were performed.

Results: The mean SHI score was 18.85 ± 7.57. Common poor practices included using the bed for non-sleep activities, irregular sleep–wake schedules, and pre-sleep worrying. A positive correlation was observed between SHI and PSQI scores (r = 0.302). Regression analysis identified female gender, poor sleep quality, and higher non-academic screen time as predictors of poorer sleep hygiene.

Conclusion: Poor sleep hygiene is strongly associated with impaired sleep quality. Targeted interventions focusing on reducing recreational screen use, promoting regular sleep routines, and stress management are essential to improve students’ sleep health and well-being.

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15-10-2026

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1.
Rani M, Kaur H, Sharma N, Nagar M. Sleep Hygiene Practices and Their Association with Sleep Quality Among Undergraduate College Students of a North Indian City: A Cross-Sectional Study. Healthline. 2026;17(3):260-270. doi:10.51957/Healthline_865_2026