Influence of sedentary behavior and physical activity in leisure and work on sleep duration: data from NHANES 2017-2018.

objectiveTo evaluate the association between sedentary behavior (SB), moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and sleep duration.

methodsData from the 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was analyzed. SB was assessed based on the average daily sitting time, while MVPA was estimated by the frequency and duration of leisure and work-related activities. The ratio of time spent in MVPA to time in SB was analyzed, and a thresholds of ≥ 1.0, 2.5 and 10 min of MVPA per sedentary hour was used to determine sufficiency for mitigating the effects of a sedentary lifestyle. Sleep duration was measured by the average hours slept on weekdays and weekends, classified according to National Sleep Foundation guidelines. The measures of SB, MVPA, and sleep were self-reported. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the sample, and multivariate logistic regression was applied to assess the associations between movement behaviors and sleep duration.

resultsThe study included 5,533 participants, with 51.8% women, predominantly aged 26-64 years (66.1%). Insufficient physical activity was reported by 59.6% at work and 62.5% during leisure time. Recommended sleep duration was observed in 84.4% of the sample. Adjusted multivariate analysis revealed that individuals engaging in ≥ 2.5 min of MVPA during leisure-time for each sedentary hour were 38.9% less likely to experience short-term sleep (OR:0.72;95%CI:0.53-0.97). Conversely, those who performed the same amount of MVPA at work were 57.0% more likely to have short-term sleep (OR:1.57;95%CI:1.16-2.12).

conclusionMeeting the MVPA threshold during leisure-time reduces the likelihood of short-term sleep, while higher MVPA levels at work increase the likelihood of short-term sleep.