PREVALENCE OF SLEEP DISTURBANCES AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH ANXIETY AND STRESS IN ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of sleep disturbances among adolescents and to examine their relationship with anxiety and stress levels using validated psychological assessment tools. Place and duration of the study: This study was conducted at the Department of Medicine, Lady Reading Hospital – Medical Teaching Institution (LRH-MTI), Peshawar, from January 2024 to January 2025. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 150 adolescents aged 13 18 years. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), while anxiety and stress levels were measured using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.0. Pearson’s correlation test was applied to assess the relationship between variables, and independent t-tests were used for group comparisons. A p-value of < 0.001) as well as between sleep disturbance and stress (r = 0.58, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Sleep disturbances are common among adolescents and demonstrate a significant positive association with anxiety and stress levels. These results emphasize the importance of early identification and intervention. School-based strategies, including sleep hygiene promotion, stress reduction programs, and timely psychological support, may help mitigate mental health challenges and improve overall well-being in this vulnerable age group.