Time Management Behavior Structural Equation Model Predicts Global Sleep Quality in Traditional Entry University Students

Background: Poor sleep is commonplace among traditional entry university students. Lifestyle modifications, such as time management behaviors, may improve sleep quality by allocating sufficient time for sleep and mitigating stress-associated sleep latency inefficiencies.

Purpose: The purpose of our study was to evaluate time management behaviors as predictors of sleep quality in traditional entry university students. We hypothesized time management behaviors would predict perceived control of time, which in turn, would predict global sleep quality.

Methods: A cross-sectional convenience sample of university students (n=302) completed a 73-item instrument comprised of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Time Management Behavior scale. Model building procedures included exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling.

Results: Our specified model identified significant paths between setting goals and priorities (β= .261; p=.012), mechanics of time management (β=.210; p=.043) and preference for organization (β=.532; p<.001) for perceived control of time (R²=.300 p<.001). We further identified a significant path between perceived control of time and global sleep quality (R²=.196, p=.022).

Discussion: Our study suggests time management behaviors are associated with global sleep quality.

Translation to health education practice: Health education interventions addressing sleep quality of traditional entry university students should consider incorporating time management behaviors.