The influence of stress on academic performance and sleep quality: a cross-sectional study with university students
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Abstract
Objective: To investigate the relationship between stress, academic performance, and sleep quality among university students. Method: This was a cross-sectional study involving 487 students from a public university in Mossoró, RN, Brazil. Data were collected using a digital questionnaire composed of 33 questions covering sociodemographic information, stress levels, sleep, and academic performance. Stress was assessed using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, while sleep was evaluated through a questionnaire adapted from the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Result: Among the participants, 53% were male and 83% were between 18 and 25 years of age. According to the Kessler scale, 72.3% (n=352) of the students exhibited high or very high levels of psychological distress, and 62.4% (n=304) reported sleeping less than 6 hours per night. Additionally, 56.3% of students agreed or strongly agreed that academic activities negatively affect sleep quality. High stress levels (scores 22–50) were associated with shorter sleep duration, greater difficulty falling asleep, increased nighttime awakenings, and lower energy for daily activities (p<0.05). Stress also had a negative impact on academic performance, impairing content retention and academic participation. The main sources of stress reported by students were exams and presentations. Conclusion: Stress significantly affects university students’ well-being, primarily by impairing sleep, which is essential for bodily homeostasis. Stress management strategies should be implemented in educational settings, as the high prevalence of stress may lead to long-term consequences for students’ physical and mental health.
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