Sleep and Adolescent Nursing Students

Sleep plays a vital role in maintaining the equilibrium of human psychosocial behaviour. The truth about sleep and its need is forgotten most of the time, especially in the adolescent age group. Most undergraduate nursing students belong to the adolescent age group. Amidst their busy schedule loaded with academic and clinical requirements, sleep has lost its importance as basic and primary need. Hence, they face the risk of being affected by various sleep disorders. The most common disorder is sleep deprivation and fatigue associated with sleeplessness. Sleep deprivation in students, presents itself in different ways such as, day time sleepiness, decreased memory, poor academic performance, loss of interest in performing activities and need for frequent naps. Identifying such students and intervening at the right time will enhance their personal and academic performances. This article highlights on the importance of sleep and the problems associated with it in nursing students and how they can be managed effectively through a case scenario.