Burnout and Sleep Quality: A Cross-Sectional Study among Medical and Non-Medical Undergraduate Students in India

Abstract Background: Sleep disturbances and burnout are increasingly recognized as major public health concerns among undergraduate students, particularly in demanding academic environments such as medical education. Indian data exploring the interrelationship between sleep quality and burnout remain limited. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of poor sleep quality and burnout among medical and non-medical undergraduate students in India and to examine the association between burnout dimensions and sleep quality. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among undergraduate students using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI). Data were analysed using non-parametric tests and Spearman correlation coefficients. Results: A total of 240 undergraduate students participated (120 medical, 120 non-medical). Overall, 68.3% of students were classified as poor sleepers (PSQI >5). Poor sleep was significantly more prevalent among medical students compared to non-medical students (75.8% vs. 60.8%, p < 0.001). Mean PSQI score was 6.9 ± 2.7. The mean exhaustion and disengagement scores were 2.56 ± 0.52 and 2.41 ± 0.49, respectively. Both burnout dimensions showed statistically significant positive correlations with global PSQI scores, with exhaustion demonstrating a stronger association. Conclusion: Poor sleep quality and burnout are highly prevalent among Indian undergraduate students, particularly among medical students. The findings highlight the need for early identification and targeted interventions to improve student well-being.