Sleep disorders, depression, anxiety and satisfaction with life among young adults: a survey of university students in Auckland, New Zealand
Chinthaka B Samaranayake, Bruce Arroll, Antonio T Fernando, 3rd
Sleep symptoms are distressing and greatly impact on quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the rates of sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, and substance use, and identify correlations between satisfaction with life among university students at The University Auckland. A questionnaire was given to 1933 students; 66.8% completed the questionnaire. The median age of the students was 20 years (range 16-38); 63.9% were women. This study which is a first of its kind in New Zealand showed that a large number of university students (39.4% of the students who completed the survey) are suffering from significant sleep symptoms. Depression, anxiety, substance use, and circadian rhythm disorders were the commonest causes of sleep difficulties in this population group. Clinically significant depression and anxiety were present in 17.3% and 19.7% of the students surveyed respectively. The study also showed that harmful alcohol and drug use was common among this population group and is associated with depression and anxiety. This study has the potential to aid clinicians within New Zealand in better appreciating the sleep-related health problems faced by young people in this country.
