The Early-Bird Catches the Worm: An Investigative Study into the Relationship Between Sleep Behaviours and Academic Achievement

Abstract

Academic achievement is paramount for students, shaping career prospects. The present study aimed to explore the factors impacting academic achievement, specifically focusing on sleep components, chronotype and perceived stress. The student sample (N = 393) consisted of 329 females (84%) 51 males (13%) and 11 non-binary individuals (3%). Participants completed an online questionnaire including measures of sleep quality, sleep hygiene, chronotype, stress and academic achievement. The data were analysed using a cross-sectional between-subjects design. Multiple regression analyses revealed that both chronotype and stress significantly predicted academic achievement. Findings suggest that high perceived stress scores, and high morningness scores are associated with high academic achievement. Sleep as a latent variable (comprising sleep quality and sleep hygiene) did not significantly predict academic achievement. These findings underscore the role of sleep behaviour and stress management in academic achievement, offering an avenue for further investigation to determine the underlying mechanisms that determine academic achievement