The effect of exergames on sleep quality in nursing students: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Many nursing students experience sleep problems. Exergames offer a nonpharmacological method to improve sleep. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of exergames on sleep quality among nursing students. Methods: A pretest–post-test randomized controlled trial was conducted between September 2023 and December 2024 at a public university in Turkiye. Sixty nursing students were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention group completed a 3-session exergame program. Data were collected pre- and postintervention using questionnaires, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and wrist actigraphy. Changes in subjective and objective sleep measures were analyzed using a Paired Samples t-test. Results: The intervention group's mean PSQI scores improved from 5.33 (SD = 2.38) to 5.07 (SD = 2.40), showing a statistically significant difference (t = 16.544; p < 0.001). Actigraphy data indicated increased sleep efficiency from 76.78% to 82.05%. Significant improvements were observed in sleep efficiency, total sleep time, wake after sleep onset, and average awakenings. Conclusion: Exergames enhanced sleep quality in nursing students by promoting physical activity, indicating their potential as an alternative method. Future studies should examine long-term effects and different exercise types. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.