How Does Sleep Affect College Students' GPA?

Abstract

Recent research has shown that the lack of sleep in college students has become a problem. College students have been recognized as one of the top populations that suffer from sleep-related problems (Buboltz, Brown, & Soper, 2001). Because of increasing difficulties with sleep, various areas of college students’ lives are affected. In particular, research has shown that academics suffer from an insufficient amount of sleep. However, many college students may not even be aware of the fact that sleep or lack thereof, can affect their performance in the classroom (Gilbert & Weaver, 2010). The purpose of this study is to see the effect of sleep or lack thereof, on college students’ grade point averages at a small Midwestern university. Other variables that likely factor into how well a student may sleep include stress at school, at work, student-athlete stressors, and stress in relationships. Other areas that may inhibit students from attaining the level of sleep necessary to succeed in the classroom may be due to, technology and daytime napping.