The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on the Cognitive Performance through the General Weighted Average (GWA) Of Medical Technology Students for the Academic Year 2020 - 2021 of the University Of Santo Tomas

Abstract

Numerous research have claimed the prevalence of sleep deprivation among college students, which affects their academic performance and physical health. This study has determined the effects of sleep deprivation on the cognitive performance of students using their general weighted average (GWA) as its basis. Moreover, the study intends to distinguish factors that assist the development of sleep deprivation of the students, and will attempt to determine connections regarding sleep deprivation. Variables including the lifestyle, study habits, and intelligence quotient (IQ) level of the students are excluded from this study. There were two surveys conducted to profile and to assess the sleeping habits of the 334 Medical Technology students enrolled at the University of Santo Tomas for the academic year 2020 to 2021. Data gathered are summarized and interpreted through graphs and charts using the software IBM SPSS 22. Further, the statistical test Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient was used to measure the strength of the relationship between sleep deprivation and the student’s academic performance. Results revealed that the students’ general weighted average (GWA) is not affected by the number of sleeping hours. Hence, there is a negligible correlation between sleep and cognitive performance. Nonetheless, there are other factors considered to influence cognitive function, thereby consequently affecting one’s academic performance. These factors may include distractions, study habits, memory retention level, attention span, level of concentration, and stress.