The Association Between Physical Activity and Sleep Quality in Stroke-free Adults Living in Rural Settings. The Three Villages Study

Background/objectives: The relationship between physical activity and sleep quality has been reported in specific conditions or in selected individuals. To better understand this association at the population level, we aimed to assess the association between physical activity and sleep quality in community-dwellers residing in three neighboring rural villages of Coastal Ecuador.

Methods: A total of 1438 individuals aged ≥40 years were included. Data collection focused on the levels of physical activity and sleep quality. Multivariate models were fitted to assess independent associations between adequate physical activity and good sleep quality, after adjusting for relevant covariates.

Results: Physical activity was categorized as ideal in 676 (47%) individuals, intermediate in 644 (45%), and poor in 118 (8%). According to the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), 880 (61%) individuals had a good sleep quality. In univariate analysis, the percentage of individuals with a good sleep quality was lower among individuals with poor and intermediate physical activity when compared to those with ideal physical activity. Using individuals with poor physical activity as the referent category, a logistic regression model showed that a good sleep quality was significantly associated with intermediate (odds ratio, OR: 1.54; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.03-2.30; p = 0.036) and ideal (OR: 1.78; 95% C.I.: 1.18-2.69; p = 0.006) physical activity, after adjusting for relevant covariates.

Conclusions: This population-based study provides robust epidemiological evidence favoring an association between adequate levels of physical activity and good sleep quality in middle-aged and older adults living in rural settings.