ERIC Number: EJ852719
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2006
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1011-3487
EISSN: N/A
On Counting Sheep: The Self-Medication and Coping Strategies of University Students Suffering from Primary Insomnia
Cockcroft, K.; Grasko, D.; Fridjhon, P.
South African Journal of Higher Education, v20 n5 p627-638 2006
A factor that affects university students' academic performance is the quantity and quality of their sleep. There is a high rate of insomnia in the general population, but the prevalence of sleep difficulties among university students has not been extensively studied. The current study found that 23 per cent of the researched student population may suffer from primary insomnia. The strategies used by these students to cope with insomnia were investigated by means of a self-report questionnaire, which examined two broad categories, namely self-medication and self-coping strategies. Students were found to employ potentially harmful coping strategies, while harmless strategies were not always perceived as helpful. Since the onset of insomnia is often during early adulthood, and since poor sleep impacts negatively on academic performance, this study indicates that education around this topic is vital for students. (Contains 3 tables.)
Descriptors: Academic Achievement, Coping, Sleep, Questionnaires, Self Disclosure (Individuals), Health Behavior, Health Promotion, Student Attitudes, Foreign Countries, Mental Health
Unisa Press. Preller Street, P.O. Box 392, Muckleneuk, Pretoria 0003, South Africa. Tel: +27-24-298960; Fax: +27-24-293449; e-mail: sajhe@vodamail.co.za; Web site: http://www.sajhe.org.za
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: South Africa
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A