Between Sleep and Scores: Examining the Relationship Between Sleep Duration, Academic Performance, and Clinical Stress among Nursing Students

Background: Clinical training is a crucial aspect of nursing education but is often associated with high stress levels. Sleep duration and academic performance (CGPA) are potential factors influencing clinical stress, yet their combined impact remains underexplored. Objective: This study examines the relationship between sleep duration, CGPA, and clinical stress levels among nursing students during clinical placements. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 291 diploma nursing students (mean age = 22.66, SD = 1.86; 79.4% female). Data were collected via an online survey in February 2025, assessing clinical stress (NSPCSS), sleep duration (hours/night), and CGPA. One-way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis. Results: The mean sleep duration was 6.61 hours (SD = 7.17), and the mean CGPA was 3.84 (SD = 0.13). Sleep duration showed a significant association with clinical stress (F = 2.72, p = 0.001), while CGPA had no significant relationship with clinical stress (F = 0.77, p = 0.858). Conclusion: Shorter sleep duration correlates with higher clinical stress, whereas CGPA does not significantly influence stress levels. These findings highlight the need for interventions promoting healthy sleep habits to support nursing students’ well-being during clinical training.