Circadian Rhythms of University Students During Study and Exam Periods

Emine Baran; Kevser Yapar; Erdem Başer

Circadian Rhythms of University Students During Study and Exam Periods

Abstract

Purpose Circadian rhythms play a critical role in maintaining physiological and psychological balance. University students often experience disruptions in these rhythms due to academic demands, particularly during exam periods. This study examines the impact of study and exam periods on circadian rhythms, sleep quality, physical activity, psychological well-being, and autonomic functions. Method A prospective observational study was conducted with 30 university students (mean age: 21.1 ± 1.7 years; mean BMI: 24.2 ± 7.2). Assessments included the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale (DASS). Autonomic functions (body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and skin moisture) were measured in controlled environments during both study and exam periods. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test with a significance level of p<0.05. Results Students shifted toward evening chronotypes during exams (p<0.001) and exhibited poorer sleep quality (p<0.001), reduced physical activity (p<0.001), and increased depression, anxiety, and stress levels (p=0.04). Significant increases in systolic (p=0.006) and diastolic blood pressure (p=0.028) and heart rate (p=0.014) were observed during exams, while body temperature, oxygen saturation, and skin moisture remained unchanged. Conclusion Academic demands significantly disrupt circadian rhythms, sleep quality, and psychological well-being, with notable physiological stress responses during exams. Physical activity plays a crucial role in mitigating these effects. Interventions promoting sleep hygiene, stress management, and regular physical activity are essential for enhancing academic performance and safeguarding long-term health in university students.

Keywords

Project Number

1919B012304535

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Physiotherapy

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Emine Baran ^*
0000-0003-4974-6543
Türkiye

Kevser Yapar This is me
0009-0004-1510-1960
Türkiye

Erdem Başer This is me
0009-0000-3526-1030
Türkiye

Publication Date

December 31, 2024

Submission Date

November 30, 2024

Acceptance Date

December 20, 2024

Published in Issue

Year 2024 Volume: 2 Number: 3

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA85GN97JF

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Baran, E., Yapar, K., & Başer, E. (2024). Circadian Rhythms of University Students During Study and Exam Periods. Journal of Hacettepe University Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Faculty, 2(3), 80-86. https://izlik.org/JA85GN97JF

AMA

1.Baran E, Yapar K, Başer E. Circadian Rhythms of University Students During Study and Exam Periods. JHUPTR. 2024;2(3):80-86. https://izlik.org/JA85GN97JF

Chicago

Baran, Emine, Kevser Yapar, and Erdem Başer. 2024. “Circadian Rhythms of University Students During Study and Exam Periods”. Journal of Hacettepe University Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Faculty 2 (3): 80-86. https://izlik.org/JA85GN97JF.

EndNote

Baran E, Yapar K, Başer E (December 1, 2024) Circadian Rhythms of University Students During Study and Exam Periods. Journal of Hacettepe University Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Faculty 2 3 80–86.

IEEE

[1]E. Baran, K. Yapar, and E. Başer, “Circadian Rhythms of University Students During Study and Exam Periods”, JHUPTR, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 80–86, Dec. 2024, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA85GN97JF

ISNAD

Baran, Emine - Yapar, Kevser - Başer, Erdem. “Circadian Rhythms of University Students During Study and Exam Periods”. Journal of Hacettepe University Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Faculty 2/3 (December 1, 2024): 80-86. https://izlik.org/JA85GN97JF.

JAMA

1.Baran E, Yapar K, Başer E. Circadian Rhythms of University Students During Study and Exam Periods. JHUPTR. 2024;2:80–86.

MLA

Baran, Emine, et al. “Circadian Rhythms of University Students During Study and Exam Periods”. Journal of Hacettepe University Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Faculty, vol. 2, no. 3, Dec. 2024, pp. 80-86, https://izlik.org/JA85GN97JF.

Vancouver

1.Emine Baran, Kevser Yapar, Erdem Başer. Circadian Rhythms of University Students During Study and Exam Periods. JHUPTR [Internet]. 2024 Dec. 1;2(3):80-6. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA85GN97JF