Date Approved

2026

Degree Type

Open Access Senior Honors Thesis

Department or School

Health Promotion and Human Performance

First Advisor

Catherine Gammon, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Alina Cioletti, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Christopher Herman, Ph.D.

Abstract

Sleep and physical activity (PA) are important factors for maintaining overall health and are positively associated. The relationship between sleep and PA is well-documented for the general adult population, but there is less research on college students who are in a formative stage of developing lifelong health behaviors. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between aerobic PA and sleep in college students. College students at a Midwest University were invited to participate by completing the American College Health Association’s National College Health Assessment evaluating students’ health behaviors over the previous 1-2 weeks. These values were used to classify participants as “meeting” or “not meeting” PA and sleep guidelines. Independent Samples t-Tests revealed that students who met PA guidelines reported significantly less daytime sleepiness and feeling more rested throughout the day (p< .05). The relationship between meeting PA guidelines and meeting sleep guidelines was assessed using a Chi square test of independence, which indicated a non-significant relationship between the variables. These findings suggest meeting PA guidelines may improve sleep quality, but not quantity. Increasing PA and improving sleep performance could ultimately improve academic success in college students. Prioritizing sleep education and student-accessible physical activities are recommended. 3

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