Evaluation of the Relationship Between Physical Activity Levels and Sleep Quality Among 6th-year Medical Students

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the relationship between physical activity levels and sleep quality among 6th-year medical students. Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted between June 15, 2024, and December 15, 2024, at Selcuk University Faculty of Medicine Hospital with 164 sixth-year medical students participating voluntarily. Participants were administered questionnaires via face-to-face interviews, which included an 8-item general information form, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF) for data on physical activity, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for data on sleep quality. Results: Of the 164 students included in our study, 51.2% were female (n=84) and 48.8% were male (n=80). Statistical analyses revealed a significant relationship between physical activity level and gender (p=0.007), marital status (p=0.049), and alcohol consumption (p=0.03). Additionally, a statistically significant association was found between physical activity level and sleep quality (p=0.014). No statistically significant relationship was found between participants' sociodemographic characteristics and sleep quality (p>0.05). Conclusion: It was determined that male students were more physically active than female students. Participants with higher physical activity levels had better sleep quality. In light of these findings, it is recommended that educational and health policies prioritize strategies aimed at improving both physical activity and sleep quality.