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Advanced Neurology PSG findings in young poor sleepers

sleep quality becomes particularly pronounced among self-reported measures for assessing sleep quality. While
young adult males, a demographic experiencing increasing subjective measures such as sleep questionnaires provide
rates of sleep disturbances globally. Poor sleep health among valuable insights into perceived sleep quality, they may
this group constitutes a pressing public health concern, not accurately reflect objective sleep architecture and
with mounting evidence demonstrating its far-reaching may underrepresent the extent and nature of actual sleep
consequences on academic performance, occupational disturbances. This subjective-objective discrepancy has
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functioning, and long-term health trajectories. been documented across various populations but remain
Recent epidemiological studies have revealed alarming inadequately explored in young male adults with poor
prevalence rates of poor sleep quality among younger subjective sleep quality.
populations. Research indicates that 47.1% of university Polysomnography (PSG) represents the gold standard
students experience poor sleep quality, with young for comprehensive, objective sleep assessment, providing
males representing a particularly vulnerable subgroup. detailed information about sleep architecture, including
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In the United States, the National Sleep Foundation’s sleep stages, transitions, and various physiological
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comprehensive “2011 Sleep in America Poll” revealed that parameters during sleep. However, there exists
22% of young men aged 19–29 reported poor sleep quality, a significant dearth of polysomnographic research
while only 12.9% characterized their sleep as optimal. specifically examining young adult males with poor
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Similarly, data from the Canadian Community Health subjective sleep quality. Most existing studies investigating
Survey demonstrated that 8.1% of males aged 20–34 sleep disturbances in young adults rely predominantly
experience sleep troubles at least 3 days/week. European on self-reported questionnaires, creating a substantial
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studies, including the Healthy Students, Healthy Saarland knowledge gap regarding the actual objective sleep
(GHS) survey from Germany, reported sleep problems in characteristics of this population.
24.7% of male university students, indicating the global The potential discrepancy between subjective sleep
scope of this health challenge. 5 reports and objective polysomnographic measures carries
The etiology of poor sleep quality in young male important clinical implications. If significant differences
adults is multifactorial, encompassing academic stress, exist between how young males perceive their sleep quality
social lifestyle factors, insufficient physical activity, and their actual sleep architecture, this could inform
and detrimental health behaviors, including smoking, more targeted and effective therapeutic interventions.
alcohol consumption, and poor dietary habits. In Understanding these relationships could lead to improved
addition, psychological factors such as anxiety and diagnostic approaches, more personalized treatment
depression significantly contribute to sleep disturbances strategies, and better outcomes for young adults
in this population. The transition to adulthood, experiencing sleep difficulties.
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characterized by increased independence, changing social The present study addresses this critical research gap
environments, and academic or occupational pressures, by conducting a comprehensive comparative analysis of
further contributes to sleep disruption. Technology use, polysomnographic sleep parameters in young adult males
particularly evening screen exposure and irregular sleep- with poor subjective sleep quality against established
wake schedules, further compounds these challenges. normative values. By comparing findings to established

In young adult populations, particularly young normative data from age- and gender-matched healthy
men, sleep disturbances represent more than isolated individuals, this research provides crucial insights into the
symptoms, correlating with increased risk of developing specific nature and extent of objective sleep disturbances
mood disorders, cognitive impairments, and engagement in young males reporting poor sleep quality. This approach
in negative health behaviors such as increased alcohol allows for a more nuanced understanding of sleep
consumption and smoking. Sleep deprivation in this architecture alterations in this population.
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demographic has been associated with decreased academic
performance, impaired decision-making capabilities, 2. Materials and methods
increased risk-taking behaviors, and compromised 2.1. Study design and ethical considerations
immune function. Understanding the patterns and This cross-sectional observational study was conducted
dynamics of sleep disturbance in this demographic is vital from May 2023 to August 2023 at the sleep laboratory of
for developing targeted preventive measures and evidence- the Center for Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences,
based management strategies. Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India. The study protocol
A critical limitation in current sleep research among received approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee
young adults lies in the predominant reliance on traditional (IEC) of Jamia Millia Islamia University (Proposal No.:

Volume 4 Issue 4 (2025) 67 doi: 10.36922/an.8614