The Relationship Between Leisure-time Physical Activity and Sleep Disorders in American Adults

Abstract

Objective This study aims to explore the relationship between different domains of physical activity and sleep disorders. Methods We included 20,597 participants (aged ≥ 18 years) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2007–2014). Restricted cubic spline models were utilized to explore the nonlinear relationship between leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and sleep disorders, as well as its gender differences. Results 1) Among different domains of physical activity, only LTPA showed a strong association with sleep disorders. 2) Participants engaging in LTPA according to the recommended levels (< 1 time (1-149 minutes/week), 1–2 times (150–299 minutes/week), or ≥ 2 times (300 minutes/week)) experienced a respective decrease in the risk of sleep disorders by 16% (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.72–0.98), 19% (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.68–0.96), and 26% (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.64–0.85). 3) Stratified analysis by different strata (defined by age, gender, race, economic status, education, marital status, BMI, and smoking status) did not reveal any interaction with leisure-time physical activity. 4) Restricted cubic spline graphs (RCS) demonstrated a negative correlation between leisure-time physical activity and the risk of sleep disorders in males, while a U-shaped relationship was observed in females. Conclusion For sleep disorders, males appear to benefit from higher levels of leisure-time physical activity, whereas for females, more does not necessarily translate to greater benefits. However, irrespective of gender, marital status, education, economic status, and smoking status, engaging in leisure-time physical activity consistent with PA guidelines is associated with a lower risk of sleep disorders.