Year: 2026 | Month: July | Volume: 13 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 192-196
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20260723
Impact of Stress on Sleep and Appetite in College Students During Examination
Dr. Ujala Patel (PT)1, Dr. Sneha Ganji (PT)2, Dr. Dhruvi Maisuriya (PT)3, Dr. Rahil Patel (PT)4, Dr. Shruti Dhimmar (PT)5
1Assistant Professor at S.S Agrawal Institute of Physiotherapy and Medical Care Education, Navsari, Gujarat, India.
2Freelance Consultant Physiotherapist, Mumbai, India.
3Physiotherapy Assistant at Sewa Physiotherapy, Calgary, AB, Canada.
4Consultant Physiotherapist at Shiv Physiotherapy Clinic, Tankal, Gujarat, India.
5Consultant Physiotherapist at Shrimad Rajchandra College of Physiotherapy, Uka Tarsadia University Bardoli, India
Corresponding Author: Dr. Ujala Patel (PT)
ABSTRACT
Background: Academic examinations are among the most significant stressors experienced by college students. Examination-related stress can adversely affect sleep quality and eating behavior through physiological and psychological mechanisms. Sleep disturbances and altered appetite are commonly reported during periods of academic pressure and may negatively influence students' overall well-being and academic performance.
Objective: To determine the correlation between stress, sleep quality, and appetite among college students during examinations.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 501 college students aged 18–22 years. Participants were selected based on examination perspective and fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were collected using the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Council on Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire (CNAQ). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21.0. Pearson’s correlation test was used to determine the relationship among stress, sleep, and appetite variables. Statistical significance was set at p<0.005 with a 95% confidence interval.
Results: Among the participants, 66.5% were female, 33.1% were male, and 0.4% belonged to other gender categories. Correlation analysis demonstrated a significant relationship between stress and sleep (r=0.412, p=0.000), sleep and appetite (r=-0.317, p=0.005), and stress and appetite (r=-0.124, p=0.005). Increased stress levels during examinations were associated with decreased sleep quality and reduced appetite.
Conclusion: The study concluded that examination-related stress significantly affects sleep quality and appetite among college students. Higher stress levels were associated with poorer sleep quality and decreased appetite during examinations.
Keywords: Stress, Sleep Quality, Appetite, College Students, Examination Stress, PSQI, PSQ
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