Physical Activity and Its Impact on Sleep Quality and Sleep Hygiene Among Physiotherapy Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Sleep plays a critical role in physical health, mental well-being and academic performance, especially among young adults. Physical activity is known to influence sleep outcomes, but the nature of this relationship in medical students remains underexplored. Therefore this study aimed to assess the relationship between physical activity levels, sleep quality and sleep hygiene among physiotherapy students. .Material and Methods: The study was observational in nature involved 73 physiotherapy students aged 18–27 years from University College of physiotherapy were included in the study as per selection criteria. After obtaining informed consent, the students were categorized into Physically Inactive (n=20), Minimally active (n=28) and Very Active (n=25) based on their physical activity levels by using International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Then the students were assessed for Sleep quality by using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Sleep Hygiene by Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI). Results: Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI) scores among the Inactive, Minimally Active and Very Active groups (p < 0.001). Post-hoc analysis using the Tukey HSD method indicated that the Very Active Group had significantly better PSQI and SHI scores compared to the Inactive Group, while the difference between minimally and Very Active groups was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The study concluded that physically active students had significantly better sleep quality and sleep hygiene compared to those who did not engage in physical activity. Promoting an active lifestyle may serve as an effective strategy to enhance sleep and overall well-being among student populations.