Relationship Of Smoking With Sleep Quality In Students Of The Faculty Of Medicine, University Of North Sumatra
Introduction
Smoking is a widespread behavior that affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and professions. Despite the numerous studies on the health impacts of smoking, the relationship between smoking and sleep quality remains understudied. Nicotine, the primary psychoactive substance in tobacco, is known to affect both physical and mental health, including sleep patterns. This study aims to investigate the relationship between smoking habits and sleep quality among students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra.
Research Purposes
This study aims to explore the various relationships between smoking habits and aspects of sleep quality, including:
- Subjective sleep quality: The perceived quality of sleep, which can be influenced by factors such as comfort, relaxation, and overall satisfaction with sleep.
- Sleep latency: The time it takes to fall asleep, which can be affected by factors such as stress, anxiety, and nicotine levels.
- Sleep duration: The total amount of time spent sleeping, which can be influenced by factors such as sleep schedule, lifestyle, and overall health.
- Sleep efficiency: The percentage of time spent sleeping compared to the time spent in bed, which can be affected by factors such as sleep quality, sleep disorders, and lifestyle.
- Sleep disorders: Conditions such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome, which can be influenced by factors such as smoking, stress, and overall health.
- Use of sleeping pills: The use of medications to aid sleep, which can be affected by factors such as sleep quality, sleep disorders, and overall health.
- Disorders of activity during the day: Conditions such as fatigue, lethargy, and decreased productivity, which can be influenced by factors such as sleep quality, sleep disorders, and overall health.
Methodology
This study employed an analytic approach with a cross-sectional design. A questionnaire was distributed to all respondents who were willing to participate, and the data collected was then analyzed using the SPSS computer program to obtain valid and accurate results.
Research Results
The study found that in 2013, 26 respondents reported good sleep quality, while 44 people experienced poor sleep quality. In 2014, the number of respondents with good sleep quality decreased to 15 people, while poor quality increased to 55 people. Then, in 2015, only 11 people reported good sleep quality, and 49 people experienced bad sleep.
Conclusion
The results of this study showed a significant relationship between smoking and several aspects of sleep quality, including:
- Subjective sleep quality: There is a strong relationship between smoking and subjective sleep quality, with a P-value of 0.001 (p <0.05).
- Sleep latency: There is a very significant relationship between smoking and sleep latency, with a P-value of 0.000 (p <0.05).
- Sleep disorders: There is a significant relationship between smoking and sleep disorders, with a P-value of 0.000 (p <0.05).
- Use of sleeping pills: There is a relationship between smoking and the use of sleeping pills, with a P-value of 0.003 (p <0.05).
Analysis
The resulting data shows that smoking has a negative impact on sleep quality, especially in terms of subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, and sleep disorders. This is in line with previous research, which shows that nicotine affects not only physical health but also mental condition and quality of sleep. Although there are several aspects of sleep such as duration and efficiency that do not show significant relationships, these results still highlight the importance of understanding healthy sleep patterns for smokers.
Implications
By paying attention to the results of this study, it is expected that there will be an increase in awareness among students about the impact of smoking on health, especially the quality of sleep. Appropriate education and intervention can help reduce smoking and improve overall sleep health.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:
- Education and awareness: Educational programs should be implemented to raise awareness among students about the impact of smoking on health, especially sleep quality.
- Intervention: Interventions should be implemented to help students quit smoking and improve their sleep health.
- Sleep health promotion: Programs should be implemented to promote healthy sleep habits among students, including stress management, relaxation techniques, and sleep hygiene practices.
Limitations
This study has several limitations, including:
- Sample size: The sample size was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
- Cross-sectional design: The study employed a cross-sectional design, which may not capture the longitudinal relationships between smoking and sleep quality.
- Self-reported data: The study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to biases and errors.
Future Research Directions
Future research should aim to:
- Investigate the longitudinal relationships between smoking and sleep quality: Longitudinal studies should be conducted to investigate the relationships between smoking and sleep quality over time.
- Explore the mechanisms underlying the relationship between smoking and sleep quality: Studies should be conducted to explore the mechanisms underlying the relationship between smoking and sleep quality, including the role of nicotine and other substances.
- Develop effective interventions to reduce smoking and improve sleep health: Interventions should be developed and tested to reduce smoking and improve sleep health among students.
Q: What is the relationship between smoking and sleep quality?
A: Smoking has been shown to have a negative impact on sleep quality, particularly in terms of subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, and sleep disorders. Nicotine, the primary psychoactive substance in tobacco, can affect both physical and mental health, including sleep patterns.
Q: How does smoking affect sleep quality?
A: Smoking can affect sleep quality in several ways, including:
- Reducing sleep duration: Smoking can reduce the amount of time spent sleeping.
- Increasing sleep latency: Smoking can increase the time it takes to fall asleep.
- Decreasing sleep efficiency: Smoking can decrease the percentage of time spent sleeping compared to the time spent in bed.
- Increasing sleep disorders: Smoking can increase the risk of sleep disorders, such as insomnia and sleep apnea.
Q: What are the consequences of poor sleep quality due to smoking?
A: Poor sleep quality due to smoking can have several consequences, including:
- Fatigue and lethargy: Poor sleep quality can lead to feelings of fatigue and lethargy.
- Decreased productivity: Poor sleep quality can decrease productivity and performance.
- Increased risk of chronic diseases: Poor sleep quality can increase the risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.
- Mood disturbances: Poor sleep quality can lead to mood disturbances, such as depression and anxiety.
Q: Can quitting smoking improve sleep quality?
A: Yes, quitting smoking can improve sleep quality. Nicotine withdrawal can lead to insomnia and other sleep disturbances, but quitting smoking can lead to improved sleep quality over time.
Q: How can I improve my sleep quality if I'm a smoker?
A: If you're a smoker, there are several steps you can take to improve your sleep quality, including:
- Quitting smoking: Quitting smoking is the best way to improve sleep quality.
- Establishing a sleep schedule: Establishing a consistent sleep schedule can help improve sleep quality.
- Creating a sleep-conducive environment: Creating a sleep-conducive environment, such as keeping the bedroom cool, dark, and quiet, can help improve sleep quality.
- Practicing relaxation techniques: Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation, can help improve sleep quality.
Q: Can I use sleeping pills to improve my sleep quality if I'm a smoker?
A: No, it's not recommended to use sleeping pills to improve sleep quality if you're a smoker. Sleeping pills can have side effects, such as drowsiness and dependence, and can interact with nicotine and other substances in tobacco.
Q: What are some resources available to help me quit smoking and improve my sleep quality?
A: There are several resources available to help you quit smoking and improve your sleep quality, including:
- National quitlines: National quitlines, such as the National Quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW), can provide support and resources to help you quit smoking.
- Counseling services: Counseling services, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help you quit smoking and improve your sleep quality.
- Online resources: Online resources, such as the American Lung Association's Freedom From Smoking program, can provide support and resources to help you quit smoking and improve your sleep quality.
Q: Can I get help from a healthcare professional to quit smoking and improve my sleep quality?
A: Yes, you can get help from a healthcare professional to quit smoking and improve your sleep quality. Your healthcare professional can provide you with guidance, support, and resources to help you quit smoking and improve your sleep quality.