The Relationship between Sleep Quality and Posture: A Study on University Students

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate body posture, physical exercises, head-neck relationship, and sleep quality among university students. A total of 96 students, with an average age of 20.86 ± 1.24 years and an average BMI of 23.41 ± 2.56, voluntarily participated in the study. The REEDCO Posture Evaluation (RPE) was used to assess the participants' body posture scores. Head and neck measurements were taken using the Apecs-AI Posture Evaluation and Correction System^® (Apecs Posture Analysis Pro Plus Version 8.2.6). Sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Pearson correlation analysis indicated that increased caffeine consumption was associated with poorer sleep quality (r = 0.267, p < 0.05). Additionally, increased participation in physical activities was associated with improved sleep quality, with those engaging in sports having better sleep quality scores (r = -0.278, p < 0.05). As physical activity increased, REEDCO scores decreased (r = -0.423, p < 0.05), while scores for right head (r = 0.210, p < 0.05) and left head (r = 0.247, p < 0.05) increased. Significant negative correlations were found between REEDCO scores and right head (r = -0.296, p < 0.05) and left head (r = -0.463, p < 0.05) scores. In conclusion, due to the limited number of studies investigating head-neck relationships and sleep quality, definitive conclusions cannot be drawn; further and more comprehensive research is needed.

Keywords: body segment posture; evaluating postural alignment; head–neck; sleep quality; sports students.