Relationships Among Physical Activity, Sleep Quality, and Chronotype in University Students

Simge Yalçın; Mert Kayhan; Çetin Özdilek

doi:10.53434/gbesbd.2010344

Relationships Among Physical Activity, Sleep Quality, and Chronotype in University Students

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the relationships among physical activity levels, sleep quality, and chronotype among university students; determine whether physical activity and sleep quality differ across chronotype groups; and assess the predictors of sleep quality. Conducted using a cross-sectional and correlational design, the study involved 230 university students (127 men, 103 women; age: 21.13 ± 2.51 years). Data were collected using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire. No significant association was found between physical activity and sleep quality (ρ = −0.061, p = .360). Physical activity was weakly and positively associated with chronotype score (ρ = 0.144, p = .029), whereas chronotype score was weakly and negatively associated with sleep quality score (ρ = −0.233, p < .001). Physical activity and sleep quality differed across chronotype groups (χ² = 6.09, p = .048, ε² = .018; χ² = 7.33, p = .026, ε² = .023, respectively), with small effect sizes. However, pairwise comparisons showed no significant differences in physical activity, whereas sleep quality was poorer in the evening-type group than in the morning-type group. The regression model was significant (R² = .066, adjusted R² = .050, p = .004), and chronotype was the only significant independent predictor of sleep quality (β = −.207, p = .002). In conclusion, whilst a morningness-type tendency was weakly associated with higher levels of physical activity and better sleep quality, physical activity did not independently predict sleep quality. The potential effects of chronotype-sensitive interventions should be examined in controlled intervention studies.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Physical Activity and Health, Sports Science and Exercise (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Simge Yalçın ^*
0000-0002-7985-8514
Türkiye

Mert Kayhan
0000-0001-5850-3872
Türkiye

Çetin Özdilek
0000-0003-3676-366X
Türkiye

Publication Date

September 30, 2026

Submission Date

August 3, 2026

Acceptance Date

September 4, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 31 Number: 3

DOI

https://doi.org/10.53434/gbesbd.2010344

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA42AD84MU

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Yalçın, S., Kayhan, M., & Özdilek, Ç. (2026). Relationships Among Physical Activity, Sleep Quality, and Chronotype in University Students. Gazi Journal of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, 31(3), 114-123. https://doi.org/10.53434/gbesbd.2010344

AMA

1.Yalçın S, Kayhan M, Özdilek Ç. Relationships Among Physical Activity, Sleep Quality, and Chronotype in University Students. Gazi JPESS. 2026;31(3):114-123. doi:10.53434/gbesbd.2010344

Chicago

Yalçın, Simge, Mert Kayhan, and Çetin Özdilek. 2026. “Relationships Among Physical Activity, Sleep Quality, and Chronotype in University Students”. Gazi Journal of Physical Education and Sport Sciences 31 (3): 114-23. https://doi.org/10.53434/gbesbd.2010344.

EndNote

Yalçın S, Kayhan M, Özdilek Ç (September 1, 2026) Relationships Among Physical Activity, Sleep Quality, and Chronotype in University Students. Gazi Journal of Physical Education and Sport Sciences 31 3 114–123.

IEEE

[1]S. Yalçın, M. Kayhan, and Ç. Özdilek, “Relationships Among Physical Activity, Sleep Quality, and Chronotype in University Students”, Gazi JPESS, vol. 31, no. 3, pp. 114–123, Sept. 2026, doi: 10.53434/gbesbd.2010344.

ISNAD

Yalçın, Simge - Kayhan, Mert - Özdilek, Çetin. “Relationships Among Physical Activity, Sleep Quality, and Chronotype in University Students”. Gazi Journal of Physical Education and Sport Sciences 31/3 (September 1, 2026): 114-123. https://doi.org/10.53434/gbesbd.2010344.

JAMA

1.Yalçın S, Kayhan M, Özdilek Ç. Relationships Among Physical Activity, Sleep Quality, and Chronotype in University Students. Gazi JPESS. 2026;31:114–123.

MLA

Yalçın, Simge, et al. “Relationships Among Physical Activity, Sleep Quality, and Chronotype in University Students”. Gazi Journal of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, vol. 31, no. 3, Sept. 2026, pp. 114-23, doi:10.53434/gbesbd.2010344.

Vancouver

1.Simge Yalçın, Mert Kayhan, Çetin Özdilek. Relationships Among Physical Activity, Sleep Quality, and Chronotype in University Students. Gazi JPESS. 2026 Sep. 1;31(3):114-23. doi:10.53434/gbesbd.2010344