Study on the correlation between physical exercise and sleep quality of normal university students

Abstract

This study explores the correlation between physical exercise and sleep quality among college students in normal universities, providing reference for improving the level of physical exercise and enhancing sleep quality. The study used a stratified cluster sampling method and surveyed 240 college students from two normal universities in Guangxi using the Physical Activity Readiness Survey (PARS-3) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaires. The results show that physical exercise is higher in male students, rural students, and third-year students compared to other types of students within the group (t/F values of 2.03, 6.62, and 6.87, P<0.05). Sleep quality scores are higher in female students and fourth-year students compared to other categories within the group (t/F values of -2.23 and 5.42, P<0.05). The correlation coefficient between physical exercise and sleep quality is r=-0.259 (P<0.01), and the regression model indicates that physical exercise has a significant negative predictive effect on sleep quality (β=-0.25, P<0.01). In conclusion, there are significant differences in physical exercise among college students in normal universities based on gender, hometown, and grade. There are also significant differences in sleep quality among college students in normal universities based on gender and grade. Furthermore, there is a significant negative correlation between physical exercise and sleep quality. It is recommended that schools encourage students to participate in physical exercise to improve their sleep quality and achieve physical and mental health.