The Relationship Between Stress Level and Sleep Paralysis During COVID-19 among Final-Year Nursing Students

A correlation exists between stress levels and sleep paralysis among final-year nursing students during COVID-19. Of 238 students, 152 (63.9%) with moderate stress experienced sleep paralysis, while 41 (17.2%) with severe stress and 15 (6.3%) with mild stress also did. The authors conclude that moderate stress was most associated with sleep paralysis and suggest that institutions offer progressive muscle relaxation therapy.

Study at a glance

Abstract

World Health Organization warns that stress will increase due to the COVID-19 pandemic situation. Stress can disrupt sleep quality, and the potential for experiencing sleep paralysis is most common in students, which can reduce students' academic abilities. This study aimed to identify the correlation between stress levels and sleep paralysis in final-year nursing students during COVID-19.; The research design describes the correlation with a Cross-Sectional approach with a total sampling technique of 238 final-year nursing students. Data were analyzed using a chi-square test; Results: with Asymp.Sig 0.012˂0.05, there is a correlation between stress levels and sleep paralysis. More than half of 152 students (63.9%) with moderate stress levels experienced sleep paralysis, a small portion of 41 (17.2%) students with severe stress levels experienced sleep paralysis and students with mild stress levels 15 (6.3%) experienced sleep paralysis; Conclusions: in this study indicate that the highest stress level experiences sleep paralysis at moderate stress levels. Students are expected to further optimize the counseling activities held by the institution, and the institution can provide interventions such as progressive muscle relaxation therapy to reduce stress levels and sleep disturbances.