Relationship Between Sleep Quality and Exam Anxiety Among University Students

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sleep quality and exam anxiety among college students, a topic of increasing relevance in the context of student mental health and academic performance. The primary aim was to determine whether students experiencing poor sleep quality tend to exhibit higher levels of anxiety during examinations. A total of 100 college students, aged between 16 and 28 years, were recruited from various universities using convenience sampling—a non-probability technique based on accessibility. The study employed two validated instruments: the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to evaluate participants’ sleep quality across seven domains, and the Westside Test Anxiety Scale to measure levels of exam-related anxiety, including symptoms such as nervousness, worry, and physiological discomfort. To ensure ethical integrity, all participants were briefed about the study’s purpose and provided informed consent prior to participation. Confidentiality of responses was strictly maintained, and participation was entirely voluntary, with the option to withdraw at any stage. Data privacy and the well-being of the participants were upheld throughout the research process. The collected data were subjected to statistical analysis using Pearson’s correlation coefficient to examine the connection between sleep quality (as indicated by PSQI scores) and exam anxiety levels. The results revealed a very weak positive correlation (r = 0.115) between the two variables, indicating a minimal trend wherein poorer sleep might be associated with slightly higher exam anxiety. However, this correlation was found to be statistically non-significant (p = 0.253), suggesting that the observed relationship does not provide sufficient evidence to confirm a meaningful link between sleep quality and exam anxiety within this sample. In conclusion, while the study hinted at a possible association, the findings suggest that sleep quality may not have a strong or statistically significant impact on exam anxiety in this particular group of college students. Further research with larger and more diverse samples is needed to explore this relationship more conclusively.