Association Between Sleep Quality and Physical Activity in Saudi Arabian University Students
Overview
Authors
Affiliations
Background: Many studies have documented a strong association between poor sleep quality and physical inactivity. This study evaluates the association between poor sleep quality and physical inactivity among Jazan University students in Saudi Arabia.
Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate students at Jazan University. Cluster random sampling was used to select 440 students. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) were utilized for data collection.
Results: According to the PSQI results, the majority of respondents (63.9%; n = 281) reported having poor sleep quality. The majority of students (62.7%; n = 276) were also physically inactive. Based on DASS-21 criteria, the majority of students (53.4%) were stressed. Sleep quality differed significantly according to participants' physical activity status ( = 0.0090). Among physically active participants, 43.9% reported having good sleep quality. Sleep duration, daytime dysfunctions, and global PSQI differed significantly according to levels of physical activity ( < 0.05 for all). Univariate analysis revealed that being physically active was significantly associated with good sleep quality (OR = 1.70, 95% CI 1.14-2.54, < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression models also demonstrated a significant association between physical activity and good sleep quality (OR = 1.72, 95% CI 1.15-2.56, = 0.008).
Conclusion: The majority of Jazan University students had poor sleep quality and were physically inactive. Evidence-based prevention and therapeutic strategies are needed to promote physical activity among university students.
Li X, Xu C, Chen W, Tian J Behav Sci (Basel). 2025; 15(2).
PMID: 40001863 PMC: 11852145. DOI: 10.3390/bs15020232.
Self-control moderates the impacts of physical activity on the sleep quality of university students.
Yin Z, Yang C, Yu X Sci Rep. 2025; 15(1):4040.
PMID: 39900789 PMC: 11791187. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-88700-2.
Xu L, Yan W, Hua G, He Z, Wu C, Hao M BMC Psychiatry. 2025; 25(1):7.
PMID: 39748322 PMC: 11697847. DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-06450-3.
The Association of Smartphone Usage with Sleep Disturbances among Medical Students.
Alhafi M, Matrood R, Alamoudi M, Alshaalan Y, Alassafi M, Omair A Avicenna J Med. 2024; 14(3):152-157.
PMID: 39584163 PMC: 11581836. DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1788772.
Sleep disorders among elderly in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.
Alhejaili F, Kanbr O, Jastaniah N, Ismail R, Qalai T, Alotaibi R Ann Thorac Med. 2024; 19(4):251-257.
PMID: 39544345 PMC: 11559702. DOI: 10.4103/atm.atm_57_24.