The Effects of Smoking Habits and Emotional Stress on Sleep Quality Among Final-Year University Students

Saminan Saminan; Linda Julisafrida; Nurul Fajri Saminan; Muhammad Khairul

Authors

Saminan Saminan Departement Fisiologi, medical Faculty, syiah kuala University, Jl. T. Nyak Arief No. 442, Aceh 23111, Indonesia
Linda Julisafrida Department of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
Nurul Fajri Saminan Departement of Physics Education, Faculty of Education and Teacher Training, Universitas Serambi Mekkah, Banda Aceh 23245, Indonesia
Muhammad Khairul Department of Geography Education Program, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jl. Dr. Setia Budi No. 229, Bandung.40154, Indonesia

Keywords:

Smoking, Stress, Sleep, Students

Abstract

Final-year university students are particularly vulnerable to emotional stress due to academic pressure, the demands of completing a thesis, and anxiety about entering the workforce. In such circumstances, smoking is often used as a coping mechanism, although it may adversely affect sleep quality. This study aims to analyze the relationship between emotional stress, smoking habits, and sleep quality among final-year university students. This research employed a descriptive correlational design with a cross-sectional approach. The sample consisted of 50 final-year students selected through total sampling. Data collection instruments included the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) to assess emotional stress, a smoking habits questionnaire, and a sleep quality assessment via Google Forms. Data were analyzed using the Kendall Tau correlation test. The results showed a significant relationship between emotional stress and smoking habits (p<0.05), both of which were negatively correlated with sleep quality. Students with higher stress levels tended to smoke more frequently and experienced poorer sleep quality, including difficulty falling asleep and frequent nighttime awakenings. It can be concluded that emotional stress and smoking habits contribute to decreased sleep quality among students. Preventive interventions such as stress management education and smoking cessation efforts are essential to help maintain students' psychophysiological balance during the academic transition period.

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