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International Journal of Mental Health Systems
Published in: International Journal of Mental Health Systems 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research

Sleep disturbances and mental strain in university students: results from an online survey in Luxembourg and Germany

Authors: Angelika A. Schlarb, Merle Claßen, Julia Grünwald, Claus Vögele

Published in: International Journal of Mental Health Systems | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Objectives

This study examined the prevalence of sleep disturbances and mental strain in students from two European countries, Luxembourg and Germany.

Methods

A total of 2831 students took part in an online survey, with 2777 students from Germany and 184 students from Luxembourg. Sleep disturbances were assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and aspects of mental strain using the Patient Health Questionnaire, the Social-Interactive-Anxiety Scale, the self-efficacy questionnaire and the test anxiety questionnaire. In addition, we also assessed students’ chronotypes.

Results

Across the whole sample mean scores on the sleep questionnaires were above the cut-off for clinically relevant sleep problems, indicating an increased prevalence of sleep disturbances in students from both countries. Sleep quality was impaired in 42.8%, and 17.9% showed clinically relevant scores. Overall 25.5% reported elevated depression and 13.3% social phobia symptoms, while 45% indicated elevated stress levels. Sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, chronotype, depression scores, stress levels, test anxiety, and self-efficacy differed significantly between men and women, but there were no differences between countries.

Conclusions

Sleep disturbances and mental strain in students are common, with the current results replicating previous findings. Students from Luxembourg and Germany are affected equally.
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Metadata
Title
Sleep disturbances and mental strain in university students: results from an online survey in Luxembourg and Germany
Authors
Angelika A. Schlarb
Merle Claßen
Julia Grünwald
Claus Vögele
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
International Journal of Mental Health Systems / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1752-4458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13033-017-0131-9

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