Social jetlag and related circadian factors among medical students: A brief report of prevalence, contributing factors, and health effects

May 28, 2026Journal of education and health promotion

Social jetlag and related daily rhythm issues in medical students: how common they are, what causes them, and their health impacts

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Abstract

Nineteen studies indicate that social jetlag in medical students ranges from 1 hour 12 minutes to 3 hours 23 minutes.

Chronotype distribution among medical students shows 15.64% are morning types, 58.37% are intermediate, and 25.87% are evening types.
Evening chronotype is consistently linked to poor sleep quality, anxiety, depression, and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors.
Evidence regarding the impact of social jetlag on academic performance is mixed.
Definitions, measures, and outcomes of social jetlag research in medical students are heterogeneous, which affects comparability.
Future research should use standardized tools and clearer definitions to enhance understanding and inform educational interventions.

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Social jetlag (SJL)-the misalignment between circadian rhythms and social schedules-is increasingly recognized among students, especially in medicine, where heavy workloads and irregular hours threaten sleep and functioning. This brief report mapped current evidence on the prevalence, factors, and outcomes of SJL in medical students. The review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews. A three-step search strategy was applied across PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar from January 2015 to July 2025. Eligible studies included undergraduate or graduate medical students and examined SJL, chronotype, or circadian disruption in relation to academic, mental health, or lifestyle outcomes. Data extraction used a piloted form capturing study characteristics, population details, SJL definitions and measures, prevalence estimates, and outcomes. Findings were summarized descriptively, with study selection shown in a PRISMA-ScR flow diagram. Nineteen studies across four continents (Asia, Europe, North America, and Africa) were included. Chronotype distribution (15 studies) showed 15.64% morning, 58.37% intermediate, and 25.87% evening types. Reported or derived SJL (six studies) ranged from 1 h 12 min to 3 h 23 min. Eveningness was consistently associated with poor sleep quality, anxiety, depression, and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, while evidence for academic performance effects was mixed. Overall, research on SJL in medical students is heterogeneous in definitions, measures, and outcomes, limiting comparability. Nonetheless, findings suggest eveningness and greater SJL are linked to adverse sleep and mental health. Future studies should apply standardized tools, clearer definitions, and broader language inclusion to inform interventions in medical education.

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Social jetlag and related circadian factors among medical students: A brief report of prevalence, contributing factors, and health effects

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