Sleep, activity, and cognition: An analysis of academic impact on university students

Purpose: This study aimed to construct and assess a theoretical framework to elucidate the interrelationships between sleep, physical activity, cognitive function, and academic outcomes in Qatari university students. Methods: A study involving 44 students (age: 23.59 years ± 4.34) was conducted. The variables included “grade” (academic performance), rapid visual information processing (RVIP), sleeping efficiency (SE), and average weekly steps (WS). Changes in RVIP, SE, and WS over six weeks (two weeks before, during, and after exams) were analyzed using the Friedman test. Bivariate Spearman’s correlations and mediation and moderation analyses were performed. Results: The Friedman test confirmed significant variations in WS over the study period, indicating fluctuating physical activity levels. A negative correlation was observed between age and physical activity, indicating decreased physical activity in older students. A positive correlation was observed between academic performance and physical activity, suggesting a beneficial impact of physical activity on academic outcomes. There was a significant indirect effect of physical activity on academic performance via cognitive functioning, highlighting cognitive mediation. Conclusions: These findings underscore the role of physical activity in enhancing academic performance, potentially through cognitive advantages. This study establishes positive correlations between physical activity, academic performance, among university students.