Evaluation of the correlation between serum magnesium and calcium levels and sleep quality among medical students: a cross-sectional study

Nutakki Sridevi; Pottepalem Aparna; G. Jyothi S. L. Latha; Yarasani Aruna; Sadhya Gonthina

doi:10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20261698

Authors

Nutakki Sridevi Department of Biochemistry, GMC Rajamahendravaram, Andhra Pradesh, India
Pottepalem Aparna Department of Biochemistry, GMC Rajamahendravaram, Andhra Pradesh, India
G. Jyothi S. L. Latha Department of Biochemistry, GMC Rajamahendravaram, Andhra Pradesh, India
Yarasani Aruna Department of Biochemistry, GMC Rajamahendravaram, Andhra Pradesh, India
Sadhya Gonthina GMC Rajamahendravaram, Andhra Pradesh, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20261698

Keywords:

Magnesium, , Calcium, Sleep quality, PSQI, Medical students, Micronutrients

Abstract

Background: Sleep disturbances are highly prevalent among medical students due to academic stress and lifestyle factors. Magnesium and calcium play important roles in neuronal regulation and sleep physiology; however, their relationship with sleep quality remains unclear.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 124 undergraduate medical students aged 18–26 years. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI). Serum magnesium and calcium levels were measured using an automated biochemistry analyzer. Pearson or Spearman correlation tests were applied based on data distribution. A p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The mean serum magnesium level was 2.59±0.40 mg/dl, and serum calcium was 8.88±0.33 mg/dl. The mean PSQI score was 5.80±3.64. No significant correlation was found between serum magnesium and PSQI (r=0.088, p=0.331) or serum calcium and PSQI (r=0.108, p=0.234). Additionally, no correlation was observed between serum magnesium and calcium (r=−0.011, p=0.906).

Conclusion: Serum magnesium and calcium levels do not significantly correlate with sleep quality among medical students. Sleep disturbances in this population are likely influenced more by psychosocial and lifestyle factors than by circulating mineral levels.

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