Associations among sleep quality, sedentary behavior, physical activity, and feelings of energy and fatigue differ for male and female college students

Objective: Feelings of fatigue and low energy compromise quality of life in college students and are influenced by sleep quality, sedentary time, and physical activity (PA) in an interactive manner and differentially by sex, warranting further investigation. Method: College students (n = 693; 78% female) were assessed for sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), sedentary time (Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire), and PA (Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire). State mental and physical energy and fatigue were assessed via the Mental and Physical State and Trait Energy and Fatigue Scales. Structural equation modeling was used to explore associations among variables of interest in the complete sample and by sex after controlling for anxiety, depression, and perceived stress. Results: In the complete sample, PA predicted all outcomes in expected directions (beta range = -.103 - .119; all p < .05); however, sleep quality and sedentary time were not predictors (p > .05). For males, only sleep quality predicted mental and physical energy and physical fatigue (all p < .05) whereas among females, only physical activity predicted mental fatigue and physical energy and fatigue (all p < .05). Sedentary time did not significantly predict any outcomes in males or females. Conclusions: PA is related to mental and physical energy and fatigue among college students. Sex differences were evident with sleep quality for males and PA for females, being more closely related to energy and fatigue outcomes. Research targeting these health behaviors and interactive effects on feelings of energy and fatigue in this cohort are warranted.

Automated summary

Feelings of fatigue and low energy affect the quality of life in college students, with sleep quality, sedentary time, and physical activity playing a role in these effects. Gender differences were observed, with sleep quality being more closely related to energy and fatigue outcomes in males, and physical activity being more closely related to energy and fatigue outcomes in females.