The Influence of Perceived Stress and Sleep Quality on Migraine Frequency Among University Students in India

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of perceived stress and sleep quality on migraine frequency among 100 English-speaking university students in India (Mean=20.43 years), using a cross-sectional survey design. Data were collected via the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and ID-Migraine™ screener, alongside self-reported migraine frequency. Results indicated significant positive correlations between higher perceived stress (r=.278, p<.01) and poorer sleep quality (r=.366, p<.001) with increased migraine frequency. Multiple regression analysis confirmed both perceived stress (β=0.48, p=.018) and poor sleep quality (β=0.97, p=.002) as unique, independent predictors, together explaining 15% (R2=.15) of variance in migraine frequency. No significant gender differences emerged for stress or sleep quality. Findings highlight that perceived stress and poor sleep are distinct, modifiable contributors to migraine frequency, suggesting interventions addressing both are needed for Indian university students to potentially reduce their migraine burden.