Sleep, movement, and marks: exploring the relationship between sleep quality, physical activity, and academic performance in male university students

Background: Sleep quality and physical activity (PA) are modifiable behaviors that may influence the cognitive functioning and academic performance of university students. However, evidence focusing specifically on male students in Middle Eastern settings remains limited. Objective: To examine the associations between sleep quality, PA, and academic performance among male university students. Methods: tests. Pearson correlations and multiple linear regression were used to explore independent associations between sleep, PA, and GPA, adjusting for age and BMI. Results: < 0.001) independently predicted higher GPA, whereas BMI was not a significant predictor. Conclusion: Poor sleep quality is highly prevalent and, together with insufficient PA, is associated with lower academic performance among male university students. Despite the limitations of a cross-sectional, single-gender design, campus-based interventions that promote both sleep hygiene and regular PA may contribute to improved academic outcomes in this population.