The Power of Sleep: How Quality of Rest Shapes Academic Performance in Young Adults (16–20 years)

Sleep is essential for cognitive, emotional, and physical functioning, yet many adolescents experience poor sleep quality. This study examined the relationship between sleep quality and academic performance in young adults aged 16–20 years. A cross-sectional survey of 150 students from Bengaluru Urban was conducted using the Simplified Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI-S) and a self-reported Academic Performance Scale (APS-S). Descriptive statistics indicated moderate sleep disruption and generally moderate-to-high academic performance. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a strong negative association between sleep quality and academic performance (r = −0.791, p < .001), indicating that poorer sleep quality is linked to lower academic achievement. These findings underscore the importance of sleep quality, rather than sleep duration alone, in supporting cognitive functioning and learning outcomes. Interventions promoting sleep hygiene, digital curfews, and alignment of institutional schedules with adolescents’ biological rhythms may enhance academic success and overall well-being.