Association between sleep characteristics, physical activity patterns with depressive and anxiety symptoms in college students

ZHU Juncheng; XIONG Jianping; TANG Lijun; XIAO Haibin; CAI Zongsen; SONG Yongjing; SONG Jiancai; LU Jinkui

doi:10.16835/j.cnki.1000-9817.2025104

Volume 46 Issue 4

Apr. 2025

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Article Navigation > CHINESE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH > 2025 > 46(4): 552-557

ZHU Juncheng, XIONG Jianping, TANG Lijun, XIAO Haibin, CAI Zongsen, SONG Yongjing, SONG Jiancai, LU Jinkui. Association between sleep characteristics, physical activity patterns with depressive and anxiety symptoms in college students[J]. CHINESE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH, 2025, 46(4): 552-557. doi: 10.16835/j.cnki.1000-9817.2025104

Citation:

ZHU Juncheng, XIONG Jianping, TANG Lijun, XIAO Haibin, CAI Zongsen, SONG Yongjing, SONG Jiancai, LU Jinkui. Association between sleep characteristics, physical activity patterns with depressive and anxiety symptoms in college students[J]. CHINESE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH, 2025, 46(4): 552-557. doi: 10.16835/j.cnki.1000-9817.2025104

Citation:

ZHU Juncheng, XIONG Jianping, TANG Lijun, XIAO Haibin, CAI Zongsen, SONG Yongjing, SONG Jiancai, LU Jinkui. Association between sleep characteristics, physical activity patterns with depressive and anxiety symptoms in college students[J]. CHINESE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH, 2025, 46(4): 552-557. doi: 10.16835/j.cnki.1000-9817.2025104

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Association between sleep characteristics, physical activity patterns with depressive and anxiety symptoms in college students

doi: 10.16835/j.cnki.1000-9817.2025104

1.
School of Physical Education, Shangrao Normal University, Shangrao (334001), Jiangxi Province, China

Received Date: 2024-11-01
Rev Recd Date: 2025-02-21

Available Online: 2025-05-08

Publish Date: 2025-04-25

Abstract

Abstract

Objective To explore the relationship between sleep characteristics, physical activity patterns, with depressive and anxiety symptoms in college students, so as to provide reference for student mental health promotion. Methods From September to November 2023, a convenience sampling method was used to select 7 954 college students aged 18-22 years from 9 universities in Shanghai, Hubei, and Jiangxi. Assessments were conducted using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short-Form (IPAQ-SF), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to evaluate physical activity, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and sleep quality, respectively. Logistic regression analysis was employed to explore the impact of sleep characteristics and physical activity patterns on depressive and anxiety symptoms and their comorbidity among college students. Results The detection rates for depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and comorbid depression and anxiety symptoms were 25.67%, 35.39%, and 23.15%, respectively. Factors such as gender, grade, household registration, parental education level, annual family income, family structure, and dietary habits were all associated with the detection rates of depressive and anxiety symptoms and their comorbidity (χ²=4.41-118.39, P < 0.05). Physical activity patterns, sleep duration, sleep quality, and sleep-wake characteristics were also associated with the occurrence of depressive and anxiety symptoms and their comorbidity (χ²=9.66-627.70, P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that college students who stayed up late and slept less than 7 had the highest risk of depressive and anxiety symptoms and their comorbidity (OR=1.93, 1.85, 1.88, P < 0.05). Compared to regular physical activity patterns, insufficient physical activity patterns were associated with an increased risk of depressive and anxiety symptoms (all OR=1.18, P < 0.05). Further stratified analysis results showed that the risk of depression, anxiety and their comorbidity increased in college students who stayed up late and slept less than 7 h, went to bed before midnight and slept less than 7 h, or went to bed before midnight and slept more than 7 h but did not have sufficient physical activity (P < 0.05). Conclusions Sleep characteristics and physical activity patterns significantly affect depressive and anxiety symptoms in college students. Universities should strengthen sleep management and implement flexible physical activity interventions to help students establish healthy lifestyles.
- Sleep,
- Motor activity,
- Depression,
- Anxiety,
- Regression analysis,
- Students

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References(30)

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