AUTHOR=Tang Bin , Hu Ying , Xu Chuanjie , Wang Nana , Li Yu , Li Jianping 

TITLE=Analysis of the correlation between physical activity level, sleep quality, and anxiety levels in middle-aged and older adults: a cross-sectional study

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 13 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1629695

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2025.1629695

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the associations between physical activity levels, sleep quality, and anxiety status in a cross-sectional sample of middle-aged and older adults.Materials and methodsAnxiety was assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) scale, and sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Physical activity levels were evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze the associations, adjusting for potential confounders such as age, gender, body mass index (BMI), smoking, and alcohol use.ResultsA total of 488 participants were included. Both good sleep quality and adherence to recommended physical activity levels were independently associated with a significantly reduced risk of anxiety (p < 0.001). Sleep quality, rather than sleep duration, emerged as a key factor of anxiety. Stratified analyses showed that these associations were more pronounced in females, non-smokers, and urban residents.ConclusionThis study underscores the importance of sleep quality and physical activity in reducing anxiety risk. These findings suggest that integrated strategies promoting better sleep and increased physical activity may be effective for anxiety prevention and intervention among middle-aged and older adults.