Comparative Effects of Aerobic and Anaerobic Exercise on Sleep Quality among University Students

Abstract

Sleep quality is an important determinant of physical and psychological well-being among university students. The present experimental study examined the comparative effects of aerobic and anaerobic exercise on sleep quality among students. Thirty male students aged 18–24 years were selected from University of the Punjab and randomly assigned to two groups: aerobic training (n = 15) and anaerobic training (n = 15). The intervention program lasted eight weeks with three training sessions per week. The aerobic training group performed activities such as jogging, treadmill running, and cycling at moderate intensity for 30–40 minutes per session. In contrast, the anaerobic training group engaged in resistance and high-intensity exercises including push-ups, squats, lunges, and sprint intervals. Sleep quality was assessed before and after the intervention using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics as well as paired and independent sample t-tests to determine significant differences within and between groups. The results indicated significant improvement in sleep quality scores for both groups after the eight-week training program (p < 0.05). The aerobic training group showed a greater reduction in PSQI scores (pre-test M = 8.2, post-test M = 5.1) compared with the anaerobic training group (pre-test M = 8.0, post-test M = 6.0). These findings suggest that although both exercise modalities positively influence sleep quality, aerobic exercise may be more effective in improving overall sleep patterns among university students. The study concludes that regular participation in structured physical activity programs can significantly enhance sleep quality and overall well-being among young adults in university settings.