Joseph Nano Sleep, Uncategorized

Poor Sleep and Too Much Sitting Linked to Worse Mental Health in Students During COVID Lockdown

A study of 549 university students in Portugal found that poorer sleep quality and more time spent sitting—especially on a computer for classes or studying—were strongly linked to higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stressduring the 2021 COVID‑19 lockdown. In contrast, more vigorous physical activity was tied to better mental‑health scores.

What the researchers did
Scientists surveyed students aged 18–30 about their habits during the January–April 2021 lockdown and assessed mental health with the widely used DASS‑21 questionnaire. They also measured sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), time spent sitting and on screens (TV, computer for work/study and for leisure, tablet, smartphone, social networks), and physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire).

What they found

  • Sleep stood out as the strongest factor: worse sleep quality tracked with worse depression, anxiety, stress, and overall DASS‑21 scores.
  • Sedentary time mattered: more daily sitting and computer time for work/study were linked to higher distress.
  • Activity helped: vigorous activity showed a small but protective association with better mental health.
  • Despite 91% meeting activity guidelines, mental‑health symptoms were common: 40.6% had depression symptoms, 29.9% anxiety, and 27.5% stress.
  • Women reported poorer mental health and sleep than men.

By the numbers

  • Participants: 549 students (57.7% men; mostly undergraduates).
  • Sleep: 53% reported poor sleep quality; 56.3% slept <8 hours/day.
  • Model fit: Lifestyle factors explained ~36% of overall mental‑health variation; 31% for depression, 28% for anxiety, and 34% for stress.
  • Field of study: 73% were enrolled in Sports Sciences programs.

Why it matters
The findings point to everyday, modifiable behaviors—sleep, sitting time, and screen‑based study time—that universities and students can target alongside promoting regular exercise. Simple steps such as protecting sleep, breaking up long sitting spells, and pacing computer‑based coursework may help buffer stress during disruptive periods.

Caveats
This was a cross‑sectional, self‑reported survey collected after the lockdown (students recalled their lockdown habits). It cannot prove cause and effect, and the sample—heavily weighted toward Sports Sciences—may not represent all students.

Source
Silva G, Estima F, Silva AC, Mota J, Martins C, Aires L. Mental Health in Young Adult University Students During COVID‑19 Lockdown: Associations with Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviors and Sleep Quality. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Published February 8, 2025. (Study period referenced: January–April 2021; data collected April–June 2021.)

Editor’s note: This article is for information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.