Freshman Student Sleep and Academic Stress Levels: An Empirical Study for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Authors

• Julia M. Cortese, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityFollow

Faculty Mentor

Patricia Kilbourn-Haller

Abstract

Receiving an adequate amount of sleep is essential for academic success as it prepares the brain each day for the workload ahead. Sleep deprivation is associated with negative cognitive, emotional, and physical outcomes that may affect academic performance. Currently, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) does not have any form of sleep education or awareness for first-year, first-semester students, which leaves them susceptible to a cycle of sleep deprivation, academic underperformance, and stress. This study examines the relationship between sleep habits and academic stress among first-semester, first-year students of Fall 2023 at ERAU. This empirical study used a mixed-methods survey with eighteen multiple-choice questions and two free-response questions. To tap into the condition of current Freshman ERAU students, the survey recorded hours of sleep per school night, academic stress levels regarding workload, and sleep improvement recommendations based on college. Responses from 138 Freshman students were analyzed using Google Forms and Google Sheets. Findings suggest a relationship between insufficient sleep and academic stress. Only 16.7\% of participants reported receiving eight hours of sleep, while 77.5\% reported staying up past quiet hours to complete assignments. Additionally, 66.7\% supported a University 101 sleep module, and 52.9\% indicated they would use sleep-related provisions from the Student Government Association. Survey data establishes a correlation between lack of sleep and academic stress, especially in ERAU's College of Engineering, and indicates that education on the importance of sleep and university encouragement would improve the amount of sleep hours and stress. Therefore, the implementation of a University 101 sleep module, the establishment of a peer-mentor course intervention system, and the employment of the Student Government Association to promote better sleep habits would be the best course of action.

Recommended Citation

Cortese, Julia M. (2025) "Freshman Student Sleep and Academic Stress Levels: An Empirical Study for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University," Beyond: Undergraduate Research Journal: Vol. 9 , Article 7.
Available at: https://commons.erau.edu/beyond/vol9/iss1/7