Physical exercise reduces bedtime procrastination in college students through a chain mediation of self-control and time management tendencies

Q: Does physical exercise directly reduce bedtime procrastination?

Yes, the study found a significant negative direct effect (β = -0.158, p < 0.01), but the effect is partially mediated by self-control and time management.

Q: What is the chain mediation pathway?

The pathway is: physical exercise → self-control → time management tendency → bedtime procrastination. This means exercise boosts self-control, which improves time management, which in turn reduces procrastination at bedtime.

Q: How many students were surveyed?

1,069 college students from four universities participated in the study.

Q: What questionnaires were used?

The study used the Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS-3), Bedtime Procrastination Scale (BPS), Self-Control Scale (SCS), and Time Management Disposition Scale (TMD).

A survey of 1,069 college students found that physical exercise negatively predicted bedtime procrastination (β = -0.158, p < 0.01). Self-control and time management tendencies mediated this relationship in a chain pathway: physical exercise → self-control → time management tendency → bedtime procrastination.

Last updated: Jul 8, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score34/100

Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆

Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆

Mechanism★★★★★

Safety★★★★☆

Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. The relationship between physical exercise and sleep procrastination in college students: the chain mediating role of self-control and time management tendencies.

observational

Bu J, Yin Y, Yu L · Frontiers in psychology (2026)

Participants: N/A

Duration: N/A

Intervention: Physical exercise (measured via Physical Activity Rating Scale, PARS-3)

Outcome: Bedtime procrastination (measured via Bedtime Procrastination Scale, BPS)

Effect Size: β = -0.158 (direct effect); β = 0.058 (chain mediation indirect effect)

Population: College students from four universities in China

Result:

PubMed: 42396102 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1838723

Mechanism Graph

Physical exercise increases self-control

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Higher self-control improves time management tendencies

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Better time management tendencies reduce bedtime procrastination

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Result: Physical exercise indirectly reduces bedtime procrastination via this chain

Limitations

⚠Cross-sectional design prevents causal inference
⚠Self-report measures may introduce response bias
⚠Sample limited to Chinese college students, limiting generalizability

Frequently Asked Questions

Does physical exercise directly reduce bedtime procrastination?▼

Yes, the study found a significant negative direct effect (β = -0.158, p < 0.01), but the effect is partially mediated by self-control and time management.

What is the chain mediation pathway?▼

The pathway is: physical exercise → self-control → time management tendency → bedtime procrastination. This means exercise boosts self-control, which improves time management, which in turn reduces procrastination at bedtime.

How many students were surveyed?▼

1,069 college students from four universities participated in the study.

What questionnaires were used?▼

The study used the Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS-3), Bedtime Procrastination Scale (BPS), Self-Control Scale (SCS), and Time Management Disposition Scale (TMD).

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References

1.Bu J, Yin Y, Yu L. "The relationship between physical exercise and sleep procrastination in college students: the chain mediating role of self-control and time management tendencies.." Frontiers in psychology, 2026. PMID: 42396102 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1838723

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.