Morning Versus Evening Physical Activity, Sleep Quality, and Psychological Well-Being Among Healthy Adults in the UAE

Abstract

Background and Objective Physical activity is important for maintaining the physical and mental health. Evidence on the optimal time of physical activity (morning vs. evening) is conflicting. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of morning vs. evening physical activity on sleep quality and psychological well-being among healthy adults in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).Methods A descriptive correlational design was used to achieve the purpose of this study. Data were anonymously collected using a structured online questionnaire comprising a modified version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire, and Psychological Well-Being Scale.Results The majority of the participants (70%) reported performing vigorous physical activity. A total of 269 (76.8%) participants perceived their sleep quality as very good or fairly good. There was a statistically significant difference in participants’ PSQI scores by the time of performing vigorous activity. Participants who performed vigorous physical activity in the evening were more likely to have poorer sleep quality compared to those who performed vigorous physical activity in the morning or afternoon. No statistically significant relationship was found between the time of physical activity and psychological well-being.Conclusions This study revealed that there was a significant relationship between the time of performing vigorous physical activity and sleep quality; i.e., performing vigorous activity in the evening negatively affected the sleep quality. The study further showed that there was no significant relationship between the time of physical activity and psychological well-being among healthy adults living in the UAE.