0320 IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SUPERIOR SLEEP QUALITY INTERNATIONALLY ROBUST

Abstract

Introduction: Minimum levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) recommended by WHO guidelines for optimal cardiovascular outcomes (150 minutes/week) have recently been associated with superior sleep quality and the effective management of insomnia symptoms in European samples. However, while types and levels of MVPA vary across cultures and countries, relationships between activity variables and the prevalence of insomnia symptoms has not previously been explored in an international context. Methods: Demographic, subjective health, sleep and physical activity profiles were obtained from a detailed online survey of 11,381 people (age = 18-75+; 24% male) in the UK, South Africa, China, South Korea and Australia, conducted June-September, 2016. Physical activity levels were categorized as <150 minutes/week or ≥150 minutes/week (after WHO, 2011). The category 'insomnia symptoms' included all those reporting sleep onset or maintenance problems, or unrestorative sleep (all with daytime consequences) on ≥3 nights/week for the previous ≥3 months. Predictive relationships between activity and 'insomnia symptoms' categories were examined in logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex and health status. Results: Overall, only 19% of respondents met the international physical activity guidelines, with South Africa showing the lowest adherence (10%), and the UK the highest (25%). Insomnia symptom prevalence was broadly similar across the UK (21.2%), South Africa (20.7%), China (21.0%) and Australia (19.5%); South Korea reported the highest prevalence (28.7%). In the adjusted multivariate models, the higher level of walking was significantly associated with lower levels of reported insomnia symptoms [OR = 0.81 (95% CI = 0.71- 0.92), p<0.01], when adjusted for gender, age, health, and level of education. Conclusion: Internationally recommended levels of physical activity provide a common threshold for superior health and sleep outcomes across the world. The results support the international inclusion of sleep quality outcomes among the benefits of regular MVPA.