Sedentary behavior is associated with poor sleep quality during the covid-19 pandemic, and physical activity mitigates its adverse effects

Abstract

Background We aimed to evaluate the association of sedentary behavior (SB) and moderate to vigorous leisure-time physical activity (MVPA) with sleep quality during the covid-19 pandemic. Methods Cross-sectional, population-based study in adults, conducted from October to December 2020 in the Iron Quadrangle region, Brazil. The outcome was sleep quality, evaluated with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. SB was assessed by self-report of total sitting time, before and during the pandemic. Individuals with ≥ 9 hours of total sitting time were classified as SB. In addition, the ratio of time spent in MVPA to time in SB was analyzed. A contrasted directed acyclic graph (DAG) model was constructed to adjust logistic regression models. Results A total of 1629 individuals were evaluated, the prevalence of SB before the pandemic was 11.3% (95%CI: 8.6–14.8) and during the pandemic 15.2% (95%CI: 12.1–18.9). In multivariate analysis, the chance of poor quality sleep was 81% higher in subjects with SB ≥ 9 hours per day (OR: 1.81; 95% CI: 1.10–2.97). Furthermore, a one-hour increase in SB during the pandemic, increased the chance of poor sleep quality by 9% (OR: 1.09; 95%CI 1.01–1.18). In the analysis of the ratio of MVPA per SB in individuals with SB ≥ 9h, practicing 1 minute of MVPA per hour of SB reduces the chance of poor sleep quality by 20.5% (OR: 0.83; 95%CI: 0.70–0.96). Conclusion SB during the pandemic was a factor associated with poor sleep quality, and the practice of MVPA can reduce the effects of SB.

Sleep problems and their predictors in community-dwelling older adults with diabetes in India: Evidence from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India

“…However, previous evidence is suggestive of increased duration of sleep in individuals with lower educational attainments which was associated with a reduced risk of depression which is an independent risk factor for suboptimal medical adherence and poor glycemic control in patients with DM [ 32 , 33 ]. Similarly, sedentary lifestyle was associated with poor sleep quality, which is consistent with previous evidence suggestive of metabolic, hormonal, inflammatory, and psychological alterations negatively impacting sleep in these individuals [ 34 , 35 ]. Higher educational status can also be linked to a healthy lifestyle especially exercise which may contribute to improved sleep quality in these settings [ 36 , 37 ].…”

Combinations of physical activity, sedentary behavior and sleep and their associations with cardiovascular risk

“…In fact, SB emerges as a component correlated with poor sleep quality. This association is due to the in uence of SB on melatonin suppression, especially due to prolonged exposure to screens and blue light, which stimulate psychophysiological arousal, causing an imbalance in internal biological rhythms impairing sleep quality [51,52]. While SB shows a negative association with sleep quality, regular PA practice seems to have positive effects on sleep, since it helps to improve sleep time and quality, through its effects on different systems, including the metabolic, endocrine, vascular and immune systems, as well as aspects related to mood and circadian rhythm [53][54][55].…”

Poor Sleep Quality and Working From Home Influence the Prevalence of Leisure Time Physical Inactivity During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Thus, some studies suggest increasing PA for each hour of sitting. Menezes-Júnior et al 77 (2023) and Chastin et al 78 (2021) provided evidence that doing 2.5 minutes of moderate to vigorous PA per hour of SD can reduce the chance of poor sleep quality and all-cause mortality. Confirming this finding, approximately 60 to 75 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous PA seem to eliminate the increased risk of death associated with long time sitting 79 .…”