Level of physical activity and sleep characteristics in university students

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to identify the subjective quality of sleep, the chronotype, the frequency of nightmares and the propensity for nightmares in university students depending on whether they are sufficiently physically active (SPA) or insufficiently physically active (IPA). Methods: The study involved 855 students (55.67% women) of which 38.01% are IPA. Evaluations were conducted using the Brief Physical Activity Assessment Tool, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Nightmare Frequency Scale, the Nightmare Proneness Scale and The Composite Scale of Morningness. Results: IPA students showed a greater probability of presenting [OR=2.02] poor sleep quality (> 5 PSQI points) compared with SPA students (p<.001). The IPA participants showing a greater probability [OR=3.70] of having an evening chrontoype (p<.001), report a higher frequency of nightmares (p<.001) and a greater propensity for nightmares (p<.001) compared with the SPA participants. In terms of propensity for nightmares an interaction was found between gender and level of PA (F (3,843)=11.360, p=.001). Conclusion: The possibility of implementing strategies to increase the level of PA among university students should be explored, as well as offering sleep hygiene programs that are effective when used in brief sessions.