Publication:

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

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.