Chapter 2

Review of Related Literature

2. Introduction

The purpose of a literature review is to gain an understanding of the existing research and

debates relevant to a particular topic or area of study, and to present that knowledge in the form

of a written report (Western Sydney University Library, 2016). The purpose of this literature

review is to investigate whether sleep deprivation has repercussions for students’ academic

results. The scope of the review encompasses studies that highlight the importance of sleep for

academic achievement, identify factors contributing to sleep deprivation, propose interventions

for promoting healthy sleep habits, related studies, and synthesis. Moreover, the content is

organized thematically.

2.2. The Importance of Sleep for Academic Performance

Adequate sleep is crucial for students' overall health and well-being, as it contributes to

improved concentration, enhanced cognitive abilities, and increased academic performance

(CDC Healthy Schools, 2019). Insufficient sleep among children and adolescents has been linked

to various health problems, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, poor mental health, and injuries

(CDC Healthy Schools, 2019). The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends 9 to 12

hours of sleep per day for children aged 6–12 years and 8 to 10 hours for adolescents aged 13–18

years (American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 2014). However, data from national surveys show

that a majority of middle school and high school students do not get enough sleep on school

nights (CDC Healthy Schools, 2019). In response, organizations such as the American Academy
of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association, and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine

have expressed support for delaying school start times to ensure students receive adequate sleep

(CDC Healthy Schools, 2019). Implementing sleep education programs in schools and

incorporating topics such as sleep patterns, sleep disorders, and healthy sleep habits into the

curriculum can help students develop good sleep hygiene and improve their sleep duration and

quality (CDC Healthy Schools, 2019). By recognizing the importance of sleep and addressing

factors that hinder sufficient sleep, schools can support students in achieving optimal academic

performance and overall well-being (CDC Healthy Schools, 2019).

2.3. Factors Contributing to Sleep Deprivation a

According to Suni and Dimitriu (2023), sleep deprivation refers to the condition where an

individual does not obtain the necessary amount of sleep they require. It is estimated that

approximately one-third of Americans experience sleep deprivation, with a growing prevalence

in recent years (Suni & Dimitriu, 2023). Lack of adequate sleep directly impacts cognitive and

emotional functioning, leading to daytime drowsiness, reduced energy levels, slowed thinking,

and irritability. While the short-term effects are noticeable, chronic sleep deprivation poses long-

term risks to both physical and mental health. The term "sleep deprivation" refers to not meeting

the recommended amount of sleep, typically at least seven hours for adults, while children and

teenagers require even more sleep. However, being well-rested encompasses more than just sleep

duration, as sleep deficiency or insufficiency factors in both the quantity and quality of sleep,

resulting in a lack of feeling refreshed upon waking. Sleep deprivation can be categorized as

acute or chronic, depending on the duration, and can be caused by factors such as poor sleep

hygiene, lifestyle choices, work obligations, sleep disorders, and other medical conditions. The
consequences of sleep deprivation can be significant, including increased risk of accidents,

impaired cognitive performance, mood changes, and a higher likelihood of developing health

problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, immunodeficiency, hormonal

abnormalities, pain, and mental health disorders. Proper diagnosis of sleep deprivation involves

assessing symptoms, sleep patterns, and may require additional testing such as sleep tracking or

overnight sleep studies (Suni & Dimitriu, 2023).

2.4. Interventions and Strategies for Promoting Healthy Sleep Habits

Interventions and Strategies for Promoting Healthy Sleep Habits encompass various

practices and behaviors aimed at improving sleep quality and duration, particularly during times

of stress and uncertainty like the coronavirus pandemic (Bertisch, 2020). These strategies include

maintaining a consistent routine, such as waking up at the same time every day, which helps

regulate the body's sleep-wake cycle (Bertisch, 2020). Getting exposure to natural light in the

morning is beneficial for setting the body's internal clock, while regular exercise during the day

enhances sleep quality, reduces stress, and improves mood (Bertisch, 2020). Avoiding the use of

electronic devices and minimizing exposure to news at least one hour before bedtime can help

relax the mind and promote better sleep, and limiting alcohol intake is also recommended

(Bertisch, 2020). Creating a comfortable sleep environment that is cool, dark, and quiet supports

restful sleep, and engaging in relaxation techniques, such as slow breathing or yoga, before

bedtime can help reduce stress levels (Bertisch, 2020). It is important to establish a regular

bedtime and avoid spending excessive time in bed without sleeping, and if sleep problems

persist, seeking medical advice is recommended, particularly for individuals diagnosed with a

sleep disorder who may benefit from appropriate treatments or online programs tailored to their
specific condition (Bertisch, 2020). By implementing these interventions, individuals can support

their overall well-being and mitigate the impact of uncertain circumstances on their sleep

(Bertisch, 2020).

2.5. Related Studies

Patrick et al. (2017) investigated the effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive and physical

performance in university students. The study employed a randomized controlled crossover

design with 64 participants, assessing cognitive performance (working memory and executive

function) and physical performance (reaction time, lung function, rate of perceived exertion,

heart rate, and blood pressure) after a night of sleep deprivation. The major findings showed that

sleep deprivation resulted in increased reaction time and systolic blood pressure post-exercise,

indicating an impact on physical ability in university students. However, no significant changes

were observed in other cognitive and cardiopulmonary measures. These findings suggest that

acute sleep deprivation can affect physical but not cognitive performance in young healthy

university students. The study's limitations include self-reported sleep deprivation and a limited

test selection.

Lo et al. (2016) aimed to investigate the effects of sleep restriction on cognitive

performance, subjective sleepiness, and mood in adolescents. The study utilized a parallel-group

design and included 56 healthy adolescents who were randomly assigned to either a Sleep

Restriction (SR) or Control group. Cognitive performance, subjective sleepiness, and mood were

assessed using a cognitive test battery and self-report measures. The findings revealed that the

sleep-restricted group exhibited gradual declines in sustained attention, working memory, and
executive function, along with increased subjective sleepiness and decreased positive mood.

These impairments persisted even after two nights of recovery sleep. The study concluded that a

week of partial sleep deprivation adversely affects cognitive functions, subjective alertness, and

mood in high-performing high school adolescents. The study's weaknesses are the longer

duration of sleep restriction and the need to examine higher-order cognitive functions.

Alsaggaf et al. (2016) aimed to investigate sleep habits, sleep quality, and insomnia

symptoms in medical students during their clinical years and explore the associations with

academic performance and psychological stress. Using a cross-sectional design, 320 randomly

selected medical students from a Saudi medical school completed a questionnaire including

demographic and lifestyle factors, as well as validated measures such as the Pittsburgh Sleep

Quality Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and Perceived Stress Scale. The findings revealed that

medical students had an average sleep duration of 5.8 hours per night, with poor sleep quality,

excessive daytime sleepiness, and insomnia symptoms reported by a significant percentage of

students. Higher levels of stress were associated with poor sleep quality, excessive daytime

sleepiness, and nighttime awakening, while poorer academic performance was linked to

insomnia symptoms. However, the study had limitations, including the inability to establish

causal relationships due to the cross-sectional design, lack of assessment of certain influencing

factors, and the absence of detailed information on weekend sleep habits.

2.6. Synthesis

The available literature highlights the research gap regarding the relationship between

sleep habits, academic performance, and psychological stress among high school students,
particularly during their senior years. Existing studies have emphasized the importance of sleep

for academic achievement and overall well-being, as well as the factors contributing to sleep

deprivation and the interventions for promoting healthy sleep habits. However, there is limited

research specifically addressing the sleep patterns and their impact on academic focus and

performance in senior high school students. Therefore, our study aims to address this research

gap by investigating the association between sleep deprivation, focus, and academic performance

in senior high school students.

The literature review provides a foundation for our study by establishing the importance of

sleep for academic performance, identifying the factors contributing to sleep deprivation, and

exploring strategies for promoting healthy sleep habits. By synthesizing the findings of related

studies, we can derive insights and knowledge that inform our specific research objectives and

questions.

The related studies offer valuable insights into the effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive

and physical performance in university students, the impact of sleep restriction on cognitive

performance and mood in adolescents, and the sleep habits and insomnia symptoms in medical

students. While these studies provide relevant information, our study focuses on senior high

school students, examining the frequency of poor sleep, bedtime patterns, and the influence of

sleep deprivation on academic focus and performance. Therefore, the related studies contribute

to the background knowledge and understanding of sleep-related issues but do not directly

address the specific objectives and research questions of our study.

Academy of Sleep Medicine. (2014). How Much Sleep Do We Really Need?

https://aasm.org/how-much-sleep-do-we-really-need/

Alsaggaf, M. et al.. (2016). Sleep quantity, quality, and insomnia symptoms of medical students

during clinical years. Relationship with stress and academic performance. Saudi medical journal,

37(2), 173–182. https://doi.org/10.15537/smj.2016.2.14288

Bertisch, S. (2020). Strategies to promote better sleep in these uncertain times. Harvard Health

Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/strategies-to-promote-better-sleep-in-these-

uncertain-times-2020040420066

CDC Healthy Schools. (2019). Importance of Sleep for Students.

https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/features/importance-of-sleep-for-students.htm

Lo, J. et al. (2016). Cognitive Performance, Sleepiness, and Mood in Partially Sleep Deprived

Adolescents: The Need for Sleep Study. Sleep, 39 (3), 687–698,

https://doi.org/10.5665/sleep.5552

Patrick, Y. et al. (2017) Effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive and physical performance in

university students. Sleep and Biological Rhythms, 15, 217–225 (2017).

https://doi.org/10.1007/s41105-017-0099-5

Suni, E. & Dimitriu, A. (2023). Sleep Deprivation. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-

deprivation

Western Sydney University Library. (2016). Essay purpose.

https://westernsydney.edu.au/studysmart/home/assignment_help/writing