Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part A (2025)

Exam stress significantly impacts college students' sleep patterns, dietary choices, and coping mechanisms. This study aimed to assess stress levels, identify key stressors, and examine their influence on eating habits among students at PSG College of Arts & Science, Coimbatore. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 502 undergraduate and postgraduate students aged 17-25 years, using a structured questionnaire to collect data on stress, sleep patterns, and dietary preferences. Findings revealed that female students experienced higher stress levels than males, with frustration and lack of study time being the primary stressors. Stress led to disrupted sleep, with most students engaging in late-night study sessions and reduced sleep duration. Passive coping strategies such as social media use and sleep were the most common. While many students maintained regular meal patterns, stress influenced food preferences, increasing the consumption of sweet and spicy foods, junk food, and caffeinated beverages. Binge eating was also prevalent. The study highlights the need for interventions promoting healthier coping strategies, stress management techniques, and nutritional awareness to improve student well-being. Future research should explore long-term stress effects and the effectiveness of structured interventions in mitigating stress-induced dietary changes.