Hydration and Sleep Quality in Female Nursing Students: A Cross-sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21928/uhdjst.v10n1y2026.pp151-158Keywords:
Hydration, Sleep latency, Sleep continuity, Caffeine, University studentsAbstract
Background: Hydration status impacts thermoregulation, osmoregulation, and autonomic function, which are foundational for sleep initiation and continuity. However, epidemiological evidence linking habitual fluid intake to sleep quality in young adult females remains limited. Objective: This study aimed to examine the associations between habitual daily plain-water intake, evening caffeine consumption, and specific sleep domains (duration, latency, nightly awakenings, and global sleep quality) among female nursing students. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted among 322 female dormitory residents. Self-reported data were collected on daily water intake, evening caffeine use, and sleep parameters. Non-parametric statistical analyses (Chi-square, Kruskal–Wallis H, and Mann–Whitney U tests) were performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences v27. Results: Most participants consumed 1.0–1.5 L/day of water (41.0%), and evening caffeine intake was highly prevalent (72.0% consuming it sometimes or often). Lower fluid intake (<1.0 L/day) was significantly associated with worse sleep latency (P = 0.042) and more frequent nightly wakeups (P = 0.049). Frequent evening caffeine consumption was significantly associated with poorer global sleep quality, shorter sleep duration, and increased awakenings (P < 0.05). No significant correlation was observed between body mass index and sleep duration. Conclusion: Suboptimal hydration and evening caffeine consumption are significantly associated with impaired sleep initiation and continuity. Low-burden lifestyle interventions focusing on adequate daytime fluid intake and reduced evening caffeine may improve sleep quality in student populations.
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