Sleep Deprivation: Reasons and its Effect on the well-

being Among student Nurses

An Undergraduate Thesis

Presented to

the Faculty of the College of

Nursing PLT College Inc.

Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya

In Partial Fulfilment

of the Requirements for the Degree

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

By

Rhyne Renie Asunsion

Francess Hanna Marielle Barrios

Marian Katrina Corpuz

Mark Anthony Joaquin

Albrent Josh Pilor

March 2024
 Chapter I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

Sleep is an essential component of human life, playing a crucial role in

maintaining physical and mental health. However, in modern society, many individuals,

including student-nurses, often experience sleep deprivation due to various factors such

as academic workload, shift work, and lifestyle choices. Sleep deprivation, defined as the

inadequate duration or poor quality of sleep, can have significant effects on physical and

social health, particularly among student-nurses who are already under considerable

stress due to their demanding academic and clinical responsibilities.

In order for human beings to function properly, sufficient sleep each night is vital.

Adults need on average eight hours of sleep (Okano et al., 2019). Sleep deprivation

occurs when an adequate amount of sleep is not being maintained. Focusing on the

college student population, sleep deprivation is extremely prevalent. As nursing students,

countless sleepless nights have been experienced due to work schedules, required

coursework, and clinical rotations. It has been found that “up to 60% of all college

students suffer from a poor sleep quality” (Schlarb et al., 2017, p. 1). Overtime, a lack of

sleep can negatively affect a person’s physiological health, psychological health, and

cognitive function. Therefore, it is important to investigate how sleep impacts the human

body and look into ways to combat the issue of sleep deprivation.

One of the primary concerns of sleep deprivation is its impact on physical health.

Research has shown that inadequate sleep can lead to a variety of health issues, including:
Weakened Immune System: Sleep deprivation has been associated with a weakened

immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and illnesses (Luciana

Busedovksy et al., 2019). Increased Risk of Chronic Diseases: Inadequate sleep and

snoring are independently associated with chronic disease in Bangladeshi adult

population and perhaps elsewhere (Safayet Khan et al,. 2018). Impaired Cognitive

Function: Sleep deprivation can impair cognitive function, including memory, attention,

and decision- making, which can negatively impact academic performance and clinical

practice among student-nurses (Amanda Hudson 2019). In addition to physical health,

sleep deprivation can also impact the social well-being of student nurses. The fatigue and

irritability resulting from sleep deprivation can lead to: strained relationships with peers

and instructors (Yiqi Mi et al., 2022), as well as feelings of isolation and withdrawal from

social activities (Ben Simmon et al., 2018). These effects can further exacerbate the

challenges student nurses face in their academic and clinical environments.

This research provides valuable insights about how sleep deprivation affects their

physical health (e.g., immune system function, metabolism) and social wellbeing (e.g.,

interpersonal relationships with patients or colleagues). By understanding these impacts,

student nurses may become more aware of the need for proper rest during demanding

educational programs, which could lead to better overall performance in clinical settings

and improved patient care outcomes. The study may aim to quantify the impact of sleep

deprivation on various aspects of the student nurses' health, such as their physical well-

being, mental health, and social interactions. By conducting a quantitative investigation,

the researchers may seek to gather statistical data that can provide insight into the extent
of these effects and potentially identify patterns or correlations between sleep deprivation

and health outcomes.

Furthermore, the research may aim to contribute to the existing body of

knowledge on this topic, potentially providing evidence-based recommendations for

interventions or policies to address sleep deprivation among student nurses and improve

their overall health and well-being. The findings of the study could also have implications

for the broader understanding of the impact of sleep deprivation on individuals in high-

stress or demanding environments, such as healthcare settings.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to examine how sleep deprivation affects the physical and social

health of third-year student nurses.

Additionally, this study aims to answer the following questions:

1. What is the respondents’ profile in terms of the following:

1.1 Sex

1.2 Age

1.3 Year level

2. What are the reasons why nurses are sleep deprived?

2.1 Studying for extended period of time,

2.2 Use of electronics (Cellphone, Tablet, Laptop,etc) and

2.3 Clinical rotation schedule (Graveyard shift)

3. What are the effects of sleep deprivation in terms of:

 3.1 Physical well-being

3.2 Social well-being

3.3 Mental well-being

3.4 Emotional well-being

4. Is there a significant relationship between the reasons for sleep deprivation and its

effects on the well-being of the respondents when grouped according to their

demographic profile?

5. Is there a significant relationship between the reasons for sleep deprivation and its

effects on the well-being of the respondents.

Statement of Null Hypotheses

1. There is no significant relationship between the reasons for sleep deprivation and its

effects on the well-being of the respondents when grouped according to their

demographic profile.

2. There is no significant relationship between the reasons for sleep deprivation and its

effects on the well-being of the respondents.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This study primarily focuses on the effects of sleep deprivation on the physical

and social health of third-year student-nurses. In addition, the researchers aim to know if

the student-nurses are sleep deprived, and if yes, what can be the primary reason behind

this. .
 The study will be conducted at PLT College Incorporated, College of Medicine

building at Bascaran, Solano, Nueva Vizcaya among third-year student-nurses enrolled

during the academic year 2023-2024.

Conceptual Framework

Independent Variable Dependent Variable

 Sex Reasons for Sleep Deprivation
 Age
 Year level

Effects of Sleep Deprivation on

the well-being of the
Respondents:
 Physical well-being
 Social well-being
 Mental well-being
 Emotional well-being

This framework describes how the study will be conducted, with participants answering questions

via a survey or questionnaire. This figure shows the relationships of variable. Box one is the

Independent Variable which are the Demographic Profile consist of Sex, Age, and Year level. Box

two are the Dependent Variable which are the Reasons for Sleep Deprivation and Effects of Sleep

Deprivation on the Respondents Physical, Social, Mental, and Emotional well-being.

Significance of the Study

The necessity of conducting this study will strengthen with the purpose that the

findings will serve as a motivational drive that encourages students, specifically the

nursing students, to improve hours of sleep, which may be vital in improving their
physical and
social health. Benchmarking from the said findings of the research, this study likewise

helps the following:

 The Nursing students. This study is crucial as it sheds light on the potential effects

of sleep deprivation on their physical and social well-being. Understanding these

impacts can help them make informed decisions about their sleep habits,

ultimately influencing their ability to provide quality care to patients.

 The Clinical Instructors. Clinical instructors can benefit from this study by

gaining insights into the challenges that sleep-deprived student nurses may face.

This awareness can enable them to provide better support and guidance to

students, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being and performance of the

future nursing workforce.

 The Parents. Parents of the student nurses may find this study significant as it

highlights the potential impact of sleep deprivation on their children's health and

well-being. It can serve as a basis for discussions on children to maintain a

balance between academic demands and self-care.

 The Future Researchers. This study can serve as a foundation for further

investigations into the effects of sleep deprivation on the health of nursing

students and healthcare professionals in general. It can inspire the development

of interventions and policies aimed at promoting better sleep hygiene and overall

well-being in educational and clinical settings.

Definition of terms

Effect- Refers to the change or result produced by an action, event, or condition.

Emotional well-being- Refers to the state of being able to understand and manage your

emotions in a healthy way. It involves being aware of your feelings, being able to express

them appropriately, and having the resilience to cope with life's challenges. Emotional

well-being also includes having a positive outlook on life and maintaining satisfying

relationships with others.

Mental well-being- Refers to a state of psychological and emotional health where an

individual can effectively cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, and

contribute to their community. It encompasses aspects such as emotional resilience, self-

esteem, and the ability to form positive relationships.

Physical well-being- Refers to the overall state of a person's physical health and fitness.

It encompasses factors such as regular exercise, proper nutrition, sufficient rest, and the

absence of illness or injury. Physical well-being is essential for maintaining an active and

fulfilling life.

Sleep deprivation- characterized by inadequate or insufficient sleep sustained over a

period of time or when an individual fails to get the amount of sleep that they

need. May occur due to various lifestyle, work and environment factors.

Social well-being- Refers to the quality of relationships and interactions with others, as

well as the sense of belonging and support within a community or society. It involves

having a strong support network, feeling connected to others, and experiencing a sense of
inclusion and acceptance. Social well-being is important for overall mental and emotional

health.

Well-being- Refers to a state of overall health, happiness, and prosperity. It includes

various aspects of a person's life, such as physical, mental, emotional, and social well-

being. Well-being encompasses feeling good and functioning well in different areas of

life, and it is influenced by factors like genetics, lifestyle, environment, and social

circumstances.