INTRODUCTION:
Medical students are highly vulnerable to stress and sleep deprivation due to academic workload and lifestyle pressures. Global studies suggest that reduced sleep and psychosocial stress contribute to elevated blood pressure, an early risk factor for cardiovascular disease.^1-3 Data on this association in sub-saharan african medical students remain scarce. We hypothesize that short sleep duration and high stress are significantly associated with elevated blood pressure among medical students in cameroon.^4-6

METHODS:
A cross-sectional study is proposed among medical students aged 18–30 years at the université des montagnes. Structured questionnaires will collect data on average sleep duration, perceived stress (validated scales), caffeine or substance use, and lifestyle behaviors. Blood pressure will be measured using automated sphygmomanometers, with two readings per participant. Multivariate logistic regression will test associations between sleep, stress, and elevated blood pressure, adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index.

RESULTS:
Exploratory signals from peer reports and small pilot measurements suggest that many medical students average fewer than 6 hours of sleep per night and describe high levels of academic stress. Although not statistically conclusive, these observations are consistent with findings from other regions, where short sleep and stress have been linked to higher odds of hypertension.^7,8 These signals support the plausibility of our hypothesis and the need for systematic evaluation in cameroon.

CONCLUSIONS:
The hypothesized link between sleep, stress, and blood pressure in medical students highlights the importance of early prevention of non-communicable disease risk among future health professionals. Confirmation could inform university policies on workload, student wellbeing programs, and integration of blood pressure checks into routine student health services.