The Impact of Physical Exercise on Sleep Quality Among College Students: The Chain Mediating Effects of Perceived Stress and Ruminative Thinking

This study investigates how physical exercise influences sleep quality in college students, considering the mediating roles of perceived stress and ruminative thinking. A sample of 955 students was surveyed using validated questionnaires, including the Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS-3) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The results showed that higher levels of physical exercise significantly correlated with better sleep quality (r = -0.361, p < 0.01), lower perceived stress (r = -0.393, p < 0.01), and reduced ruminative thinking (r = -0.503, p < 0.01). The study established a chain mediation model, demonstrating that physical activity improves sleep indirectly by reducing perceived stress and ruminative thinking. The findings suggest colleges should promote structured physical activities to improve students' mental well-being and sleep quality. However, limitations include the self-reported nature of data and the cross-sectional study design, which restricts causal inference.

Engaging in moderate to vigorous physical exercise regularly—such as aerobic workouts, sports, or structured fitness programs—may enhance sleep quality by reducing stress and preventing ruminative thinking. However, further research is needed to confirm long-term benefits through controlled experimental studies.