LAUSR

Sleep disorders have become a significant concern among university students. The demanding nature of higher education, coupled with lifestyle factors such as stress, irregular sleep schedules, and academic pressures, exacerbates sleep disturbances and contributes to a range of psychological and physical health problems, including depression, anxiety, and impaired cognitive function. This study aimed to assess the impact of sleep education on university students’ sleep-related symptoms. Students enrolled in Stanford University’s Dement’s Sleep and Dreams course were completed the Alliance Sleep Questionnaire (ASQ), a validated tool for measuring sleep quality and disturbances, at the start and end of the course. This college level-course, provides comprehensive education on sleep health and science. The ASQ assesses various self-reported sleep-related issues, including insomnia, daytime sleepiness, circadian rhythm disorders, and the impact of sleep problems on mental health, with scales such as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depression. A total of 914 students completed the ASQ from 2016-2024. Students reported significant improvements in sleep-related symptoms over the 10-week course, including reductions in difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and waking up too early. Additionally, there was a marked decrease in daytime sleepiness and fatigue, as well as improvements in memory and concentration. These findings show that a college level course can improve the sleep of students. This study highlights the potential benefits of sleep science courses as a valuable tool for promoting sleep health and well-being. none