Increase physical activity in schools

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 11 views

The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Sleep Quality in Class XI Students at SMAN 1 Medan

Introduction

Sleep quality is a crucial aspect of adolescent health and well-being. It plays a significant role in regulating emotions, behavior, and emotional control in adolescents. Research has shown that students who engage in physical activity for more than 60 minutes a day for seven days tend to have better sleep quality than those who are inactive. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the relationship between physical activity and sleep quality in class XI students at SMAN 1 Medan.

The Importance of Sleep Quality in Adolescents

Sleep quality is essential for adolescents as it affects their physical and mental health. During adolescence, the body undergoes significant changes, including the development of the brain and the regulation of hormones. Adequate sleep is necessary for these processes to occur properly. Research has shown that sleep deprivation can lead to a range of negative consequences, including decreased cognitive function, mood disturbances, and increased risk of obesity and other health problems.

The Role of Physical Activity in Regulating Sleep

Physical activity has been shown to play a significant role in regulating sleep in adolescents. Research has demonstrated that students who engage in regular physical activity tend to have better sleep quality than those who are inactive. This is likely due to the fact that physical activity can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can interfere with sleep. Additionally, physical activity can help to regulate the body's circadian rhythms, which can also impact sleep quality.

Methodology

This study used an analytic design with a cross-sectional approach. The research subject consisted of 110 class XI students who were randomly selected. To measure sleep quality, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire was used, while the level of physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The data collected was then analyzed using the Chi-Square test to determine the significant relationship between physical activity and sleep quality.

Results

Of the 110 students studied, it was found that 10% had mild physical activity, 64.5% of moderate physical activity, and 25.5% of severe physical activity. In terms of sleep quality, 48.2% of students had good sleep quality, while 51.8% experienced poor sleep quality. Further analysis using the Chi-Square test showed a significant relationship between physical activity and sleep quality with the value of P = 0.002, and weak correlation (r = -0.265).

Additional Analysis and Explanation

The results of this study indicate that physical activity can function as a factor that affects the quality of sleep among adolescents. More severe physical activity contributes to improving sleep quality, showing that more active students tend to sleep more soundly. This can be understood from a physiological perspective; physical activity can reduce stress and anxiety, which in turn can improve sleep regulation.

This research also reflects the importance of integrating physical activity in the daily routine of adolescents. By increasing awareness of the physical and mental health benefits of physical activities, schools and parents can work together to create an environment that supports student sleep health. The implementation of sports programs in schools can be one of the strategic steps in increasing the level of physical activity of students.

Conclusion

This study shows that there is a significant relationship between physical activity and sleep quality in adolescents. Students with a higher level of physical activity tend to have better sleep quality. Therefore, the promotion of routine and regular physical activity is very necessary to improve the quality of sleep and well-being of adolescents.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Increase physical activity in schools: Schools should implement sports programs and encourage students to engage in regular physical activity.
Raise awareness of physical and mental health benefits: Schools and parents should work together to increase awareness of the physical and mental health benefits of physical activities.
Create a sleep-friendly environment: Schools and parents should create an environment that supports student sleep health, including providing a quiet and comfortable sleep space.
Monitor sleep quality: Schools and parents should monitor sleep quality and provide support to students who experience sleep problems.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Small sample size: The sample size of this study was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Cross-sectional design: The study used a cross-sectional design, which may not allow for the establishment of causality between physical activity and sleep quality.
Self-reported measures: The study used self-reported measures of physical activity and sleep quality, which may be subject to bias.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to:

Investigate the causal relationship between physical activity and sleep quality: Future studies should aim to establish the causal relationship between physical activity and sleep quality.
Examine the impact of physical activity on sleep quality in different populations: Future studies should aim to examine the impact of physical activity on sleep quality in different populations, including children, adolescents, and adults.
Develop interventions to promote physical activity and sleep quality: Future studies should aim to develop interventions to promote physical activity and sleep quality in adolescents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Relationship Between Physical Activity and Sleep Quality in Class XI Students at SMAN 1 Medan

Q: What is the relationship between physical activity and sleep quality in adolescents?

A: Research has shown that physical activity can play a significant role in regulating sleep in adolescents. Students who engage in regular physical activity tend to have better sleep quality than those who are inactive.

Q: How does physical activity affect sleep quality in adolescents?

A: Physical activity can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can interfere with sleep. Additionally, physical activity can help to regulate the body's circadian rhythms, which can also impact sleep quality.

Q: What is the significance of this study?

A: This study highlights the importance of physical activity in regulating sleep quality in adolescents. It also emphasizes the need for schools and parents to work together to create an environment that supports student sleep health.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including a small sample size and a cross-sectional design. Additionally, the study used self-reported measures of physical activity and sleep quality, which may be subject to bias.

Q: What are the recommendations based on the findings of this study?

A: Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Increase physical activity in schools: Schools should implement sports programs and encourage students to engage in regular physical activity.
Raise awareness of physical and mental health benefits: Schools and parents should work together to increase awareness of the physical and mental health benefits of physical activities.
Create a sleep-friendly environment: Schools and parents should create an environment that supports student sleep health, including providing a quiet and comfortable sleep space.
Monitor sleep quality: Schools and parents should monitor sleep quality and provide support to students who experience sleep problems.

Q: What are the implications of this study for schools and parents?

A: This study highlights the importance of physical activity in regulating sleep quality in adolescents. Schools and parents should work together to create an environment that supports student sleep health and promotes regular physical activity.

Q: What are the future research directions based on the findings of this study?

A: Future research should aim to:

Investigate the causal relationship between physical activity and sleep quality: Future studies should aim to establish the causal relationship between physical activity and sleep quality.
Examine the impact of physical activity on sleep quality in different populations: Future studies should aim to examine the impact of physical activity on sleep quality in different populations, including children, adolescents, and adults.
Develop interventions to promote physical activity and sleep quality: Future studies should aim to develop interventions to promote physical activity and sleep quality in adolescents.

Q: What are the potential applications of this study?

A: The findings of this study can be applied in various settings, including schools, homes, and communities. The study highlights the importance of physical activity in regulating sleep quality in adolescents and provides recommendations for promoting regular physical activity and sleep health.

Q: What are the potential benefits of this study?

A: The potential benefits of this study include:

Improved sleep quality: Regular physical activity can help to improve sleep quality in adolescents.
Reduced risk of sleep disorders: Regular physical activity can help to reduce the risk of sleep disorders, such as insomnia and sleep apnea.
Improved physical and mental health: Regular physical activity can help to improve physical and mental health in adolescents.

Q: What are the potential limitations of this study?

A: The potential limitations of this study include:

Small sample size: The sample size of this study was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Cross-sectional design: The study used a cross-sectional design, which may not allow for the establishment of causality between physical activity and sleep quality.
Self-reported measures: The study used self-reported measures of physical activity and sleep quality, which may be subject to bias.