Fatigue can have numerous serious effects on students, which can include delayed reaction time and ability to think clearly, relationship issues, affected attitude and an increased risk of anxiety and depression. Lack of sleep can also increase individuals’ risk of heart disease, diabetes and obesity. I find myself drawn to researching this topic of University students and fatigue due to both observing and experiencing a lack of sleep while on campus. Specifically, I intend to find out: How predominant this issue is amongst University students; What influences contribute to their tiredness; How fatigue can affect grades and overall student experience and; How can the University/ students assist in supporting these concerns.

I believe this topic is extremely relevant in today’s society as many students’ comment about being tired/ fatigue either in person or via social media platforms. With endless contributing factors including assessments, casual/part-time work, social media, traveling, etc, it is no surprise that students sleeping habits are changing. 

This topic is appropriate as student fatigue is a current issue that students are facing today. Through doing research I will show how student fatigue is a public health problem and needs to be addressed. Personal sleep behaviour should be considered as a relevant topic in health promotion at universities and organisations such as UOW as they may find this research useful in order to better understand the public health issues within their organisation and allow them to make changes and provide more towards the large portion of students who fall under this category.

My planned research topic is attainable due to the large influence it can have on both the students and the University themselves as an organisation. It is also achievable due to the large number of University students at UOW. To research my topic, I plan to collect BCM212 students and conduct surveys involving various questions surrounding student tiredness. I also intend on gathering more secondary research such as academic sources or articles that will both improve and deepen my research project.

So think to yourself, how much sleep do you get, and does it effect the way you function?