The Role of Fatigue in the Relationship Between Sleep and Concentration Among Online College Students

Abstract

Sleep deprivation is a common issue among college students, critically impairing their well-being and academic performance. This study specifically investigated the impact of sleep duration on concentration among online college students, a population with unique living situations and often irregular sleep patterns. Furthermore, it explored how this relationship is mediated by subjective physical and mental fatigue, providing a clearer understanding of the underlying process. An online survey assessed these variables using the Demographics and Background Questionnaire for sleep duration, the Student Mental Fatigue Survey (SMFS) for mental fatigue, and two subscales from the Checklist Individual Strength (CIS) for subjective physical fatigue and concentration. Path analysis revealed that both subjective physical and mental fatigue significantly and negatively predicted concentration, and that sleep duration positively influenced concentration indirectly by reducing both types of fatigue. The findings highlight the essential function of sleep in improving concentration. The results provide valuable guidance for developing targeted interventions to improve sleep quality and manage fatigue, which can directly promote mental and physical health, and academic success of this growing, often overlooked, online college student population.