Academic Load and Sleep Disturbance as Key Predictors of Perceived Stress: A Quantitative Study of University Students

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between study load, headache frequency, sleep quality, and stress levels among students using a quantitative, cross-sectional research design. Data were collected from 520 respondents through structured questionnaires, and variables were measured on scaled responses, which were later dichotomized into low and high categories. To analyze the associations between variables, Chi-Square Tests of Independence were applied, and Cramér’s V was used to assess the strength of relationships. The findings revealed a strong and statistically significant association between study load and stress levels, indicating that higher academic workload substantially increases stress. Sleep quality also showed a significant but weaker relationship with stress, suggesting that poor sleep contributes to elevated stress levels. Interestingly, headache frequency was significantly associated with stress in an inverse pattern, implying that stress may manifest through physical symptoms rather than perceived psychological stress. Overall, the study highlights the combined influence of academic pressure and health-related factors on student stress, emphasizing the need for institutional interventions to promote balanced workloads, better sleep practices, and awareness of stress-related physical symptoms.