The Effects of Academic Workload on Sleep Quality and Mental Health among University Students

Abstract

Academic workload is an increasingly important concern because excessive demands may affect university students’ sleep quality, mental health, and overall well-being. This study examined students’ experiences of academic workload and analysed its implications through the perspectives of Humanism, Existentialism, and the Malaysian National Education Philosophy. A qualitative exploratory case study design was employed, involving 10 students from different faculties and years of study. Data were collected through structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings showed that 60% of respondents considered their academic workload very dense and challenging, while 40% rated it as moderate. Heavy workloads, overlapping deadlines, and examination preparation contributed to inadequate and irregular sleep, physical fatigue, reduced concentration, emotional stress, anxiety, loss of motivation, and social isolation. Respondents expressed mixed views regarding institutional and lecturer responsiveness, highlighting supportive lecturers and counseling services, as well as inadequate coordination of assessments across courses. The philosophical analysis revealed an imbalance between intellectual achievement and students’ physical, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being. The study recommends better coordination of academic assessments, more balanced teaching practices, institutional sensitivity to students’ limitations, proactive time management, and stronger self-care practices. These measures may support academic excellence without compromising student well-being.