# Associations of sedentary behavior and physical activity with sleep disorders in patients with osteoarthritis: The mediating role of inflammatory biomarkers

## TL;DR

Sedentary behavior worsens sleep in osteoarthritis patients, while physical activity helps, possibly by reducing inflammation.

## Contribution

This study identifies inflammatory biomarkers as mediators linking physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep disorders in osteoarthritis.

## Key findings

- Sedentary behavior increases sleep disorder risk in osteoarthritis patients.
- Physical activity reduces sleep disorder risk, especially in highly sedentary individuals.
- Inflammatory markers like CRP and NLR mediate 5.3%–17.9% of the OA-sleep disorder link.

## Abstract

This study examines how physical activity and sedentary behavior influence sleep disturbances in OA patients, with inflammation potentially mediating these effects.

Data related to OA, sleep disorders, sleep quality, inflammatory markers, physical activity and sedentary behavior from 4386 adults were collected from the NHANES. Mediation analysis evaluated inflammation's role.

Sedentary behavior increased sleep disorder risk in OA patients, while physical activity was protective. Inflammatory markers (notably CRP and NLR) mediated 5.3 %–17.9 % of the association between OA and sleep disorders. Physical activity's protective effect was stronger in highly sedentary individuals.

Reducing sedentary behavior and increasing physical activity may improve sleep in OA, potentially via inflammatory pathways. Further longitudinal research is warranted.