INFLUENCE OF EXERCISE ON SLEEP DEBT AND SLEEP QUALITY AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF PRINCE ABUBAKAR AUDU UNIVERSITY, ANYIGBA

Sleep debt are characterized by accumulated sleep deficiency, is a prevalent issue among undergraduate students due to academic, social, and lifestyle factors. This study investigates the influence of exercise on sleep debt and sleep quality among students of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 400 randomly selected undergraduate students, employing a structured questionnaire to assess exercise frequency, sleep patterns, and perceived sleep quality. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was utilized to measure sleep quality, while sleep debt was estimated by comparing actual sleep duration with the recommended sleep duration for young adults. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including Pearson correlation and regression analysis. Findings revealed a significant negative correlation (r = -0.42, p < 0.05) between exercise frequency and sleep debt, indicating that students who engaged in regular physical activity had lower sleep deficits. Additionally, those who exercised at least three times per week reported significantly better sleep quality compared to sedentary individuals. The study concludes that moderate-to-vigorous exercise positively influences sleep quality and mitigates sleep debt among undergraduates. It recommends the promotion of structured physical activity programs within the university to enhance students’ sleep health and overall well-being. Future research should explore the mechanisms underlying the exercise-sleep relationship and consider longitudinal designs for more robust findings.