The Impact of Sleep on Academic Performance

Running Head: THE IMPACT OF SEVEN HOUR SLEEP IN NIGHT OVER THE ACADEMIC
PERFORMANCE
The Impact of “sleeping during the night” on the academic performance of the college
students: An Empirical Study
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Running Head: THE IMPACT OF SEVEN HOUR SLEEP IN NIGHT OVER THE ACADEMIC
PERFORMANCE
Abstract
Human brain never sleeps; even when we are sleeping our brain is active. Does that mean that
the time that we are investing in our sleep is wastage? This question also raises a few questions
for individuals that are pursuing academics. Does a regular sound sleep during the nights helps
an individual in performing better? In order to find out an answer, we conducted online research
where academic performance and the habit of having a good sleep during the night were the
primary fields of exploration.
In order to support the tangent of the research, we also explored certain areas like the impact of
the sleep over the cognitive functions, critical thinking, focus and memory of an individual. We
developed a survey form to measure the efficiency of the brain post-sleep and its effectiveness
on the academics. In the current report, we are sharing the findings of these results.
Introduction
Prior to launching a research program, we did the exercise of the literature review. The main
points that we collected with this literature review give us an idea that sleep is very crucial to
maintain a good and healthy lifestyle. It helps students in using an optimal level of the brain
during the studies. It helps all cognitive functions such as memory, learning, decision making,
and critical thinking (Werchan & Gómez 2014). This makes sleep extremely important for
academic performance (Boergers, Gable & Owens 2014).
Research also shows that lack of sleep is among one of the main reasons college students receive
low academic scores. Indeed, not everyone gets adequate amounts of sleep in order to function
properly throughout the day (Fullagar et al. 2015). This is why we can attribute poor sleep
quality and sleep deprivation as one of the major cause behind the poor academic performance is
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Running Head: THE IMPACT OF SEVEN HOUR SLEEP IN NIGHT OVER THE ACADEMIC
PERFORMANCE
among college students. The exercise of the literature review also gave us an idea about the
current changing trends in the world of circadian. It shows that students are spending less
number of hours in the activity of sleeping, with each passing year this number is decreasing and
dissatisfaction caused by the lack of sleep.
sleep dissatisfaction has increased (Lemola et al. 2015). Sleepiness is inversely proportional to
hours of sleep, and it may have a substantial adverse effect on general health and quality of life
(Cheng et al. 2012). Conversely, adequate sleep can lead to a better quality of life, physical and
social health, life satisfaction, performance, and longevity.
Research question:
What is the relationship between a “healthy sleep during the night” with the academic
performance of a college student?
Hypothesis:
Sound sleep of seven hours during the night directly increases the efficiency of a college student
and the result is better academic performance. It also helps them in delivering their optimal best
result based on their mental capacities and IQ levels.
Methodology
In order to find an answer to this question, an online survey was conducted regarding the effect
of sleep duration at night on study efficiency and concentration during lectures. The study
included a total of 25 participants, gender was not considered, aged between 18 to 25 (M = 21,5
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