The relationship between trait anxiety and sleep quality in college students: an exploratory analysis of physical activity as a moderator

TL;DR

High-intensity physical activity can reduce sleep problems caused by anxiety in college students, suggesting exercise as a mental health tool.

Contribution

This study identifies physical activity as a moderator of the anxiety-sleep relationship in college students, highlighting dose-response effects.

Findings

Trait anxiety is significantly linked to worse sleep quality and subdimensions.

Physical activity moderates the anxiety-sleep relationship across four sleep dimensions.

High-intensity, long-duration, and frequent PA shows stronger buffering effects against anxiety-related sleep issues.

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the association between trait anxiety and sleep quality among college students and to assess whether different levels and components of physical activity (PA) moderate this relationship.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 2,902 college students. Standardized instruments were used to evaluate trait anxiety, sleep quality, and PA levels. Moderation regression models were constructed to test interaction effects.

Trait anxiety was significantly associated with decreased overall sleep quality and impairments across all sleep subdimensions. PA level significantly moderated the relationships between trait anxiety and four dimensions of sleep: sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep efficiency, and daytime dysfunction. Stronger buffering effects were observed under conditions of high intensity, long duration, and high frequency of PA.

High-intensity, long-duration, and high-frequency physical activity may help alleviate anxiety-related sleep disturbances in college students, exhibiting a clear dose–response effect. The findings support exercise as a non-pharmacological strategy for improving mental health.

Figures