Mental Health Challenges among Pakistani University Students: A Study of Sleep Problems, Burnout, and Anxiety

Abstract

Sleep problems, burnout, and anxiety are increasingly prevalent among university students, affecting their academic performance and psychological well-being. This study aimed to examine the predictive relationship between burnout, anxiety, and sleep problems among BS students in Pakistan. A cross-sectional design was employed with a sample of 600 students from five universities in Lahore. Data were collected using the Burnout Scale for Students, Pre-Sleep Arousal Scale, and Anxiety Proneness Scale. Results showed that 19% of students experienced severe to very severe sleep problems. Regression analyses revealed that somatic arousal (β = .56, p < .001) and cognitive arousal (β = .13, p < .01) significantly predicted burnout. Anxiety was also a strong predictor of burnout (β = .64, p < .001) and sleep problems (β = .58, p < .001). MANOVA indicated that sleep problems significantly affected both burnout (F = 133.37, p < .001) and anxiety (F = 84.47, p < .001). Female students showed slightly higher sleep disturbance, but gender differences were not statistically significant. The findings underscore the need for sleep hygiene programs, stress management training, and counseling services in university settings. This study contributes to the limited literature on psychological distress and sleep issues in the cultural context of Pakistani academia.