Non-pharmacological correlates of insomnia among university lecturers in Nigeria
摘要
This study examined associations between non-pharmacological management strategies and insomnia among university lecturers in Cross River State, Nigeria. Specifically, relationships involving nutrition, exercise, stimulus control, massage and relaxation training were assessed, alongside their combined contribution to insomnia symptoms. A correlational, cross-sectional survey was conducted among 425 lecturers across three universities. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire measuring the five lifestyle and behavioural strategies and insomnia severity. Internal consistency reliability coefficients for the subscales were acceptable. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, simple linear regresion and hierarchical multiple regression at a 0.05 significance level. Findings showed that each non-pharmacological strategy was significantly associated with insomnia, with healthier nutrition, regular physical activity, effective stimulus control, engagement in massage and relaxation training linked to lower insomnia symptoms. The combined model indicated that these strategies jointly related to insomnia, although individual effect sizes were modest. The hierarchical multiple regression model showed that exercise was the only variable retaining a statistically significant association with insomnia after adjusting for the other predictors, which points to overlap in the pathways underlying these strategies. Insomnia among lecturers was associated with modifiable lifestyle and behavioural factors, and these associations do not imply causation. The pattern of results aligns with the potential value of integrated, non-pharmacological approaches for sleep health promotion in academic work environments. It was recommended that universities should integrate low-cost, multi-component sleep health practices into staff wellness programmes, combining sleep hygiene education, stimulus control guidance, brief relaxation training, and basic nutrition and physical activity counselling.