A chain mediating model of the impact of physical exercise on sleep quality

Abstract

Background: In the fast-paced modern life, sleep quality has become a key indicator for measuring individual health and quality of life. The mechanisms by which physical exercise influences sleep quality through psychological and behavioral pathways, particularly via smartphone dependence, remain underexplored. Objective: To investigate the mediating roles of mobile phone dependence and sleep duration in the relationship between physical exercise and sleep quality, using a chain mediation model. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted on 1905 college students, and data were processed using Pearson correlation analysis and structural equation modeling. Results: Mobile phone dependence significantly mediated the relationship between physical exercise and sleep quality, with an effect size of 0.036 (p < 0.05), accounting for 27% of the total effect. Additionally, mobile phone dependence and sleep duration jointly mediated the relationship, with an effect size of 0.013 (p < 0.05), accounting for 10% of the total effect. Conclusion: Physical exercise not only directly improves sleep quality but also indirectly promotes the improvement of sleep quality by reducing mobile phone dependence and increasing sleep duration. This study innovatively identifies a chain mediation mechanism, offering empirical support for designing integrated interventions targeting both behavioral addiction and sleep physiology in college populations.