A Study on the Relationship between Academic Stress and Sleep Quality among College Students

Abstract

The present study examined the relationship between academic stress and sleep quality among college students, with a focus on how academic demands affect their psychological and physiological well-being. In today’s highly competitive academic environment, marked by heavy workloads and performance pressures, students are especially vulnerable to stressrelated sleep disturbances. The study was conducted on a sample of 149 college students aged 18–25 years, comprising both undergraduate and postgraduate participants. Academic stress was measured using the Academic Stress Scale, while sleep quality was assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation), Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and t-test. Results revealed a significant positive correlation between academic stress and poor sleep quality (r = 0.338, p < .01), indicating that higher academic stress is associated with greater sleep disturbances. No significant gender differences were found in academic stress levels, and no significant differences emerged in sleep quality between undergraduate and postgraduate students. The findings highlight the bidirectional relationship between academic stress and sleep, wherein stress disrupts sleep and poor sleep further intensifies stress. This underscores the need to address both factors to improve students’ mental health, cognitive performance, and academic outcomes. The study recommends institutional interventions such as stress management programs and sleep hygiene awareness initiatives to promote overall student well-being.