Physical Activity and Sleep as Predictors of Well-Being in Young Adults

Purpose: To examine physical activity and sleep as predictors of well-being in young adults and explore differences by sex, age, and student status. Design & Setting: A cross-sectional, online survey containing validated questionnaires was utilized to measure self-reported physical activity, sleep, and well-being. Sample: Participants were recruited through local and national recruitment efforts and social media. Of 329 survey respondents, 230 adults (69.9%) aged 18-25 years without current injury or physical activity limitations completed the survey between April 2020 and September 2020. Measures: Questionnaires utilized included the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire for physical activity, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index for sleep, and the Physical Summary Component and Mental Summary Component of the Modified Disablement in the Physically Active Scale for physical and mental well-being. Analysis: Linear regression models, Welch 2 Sample t-tests, Analysis of Variance, Tukey’s Honest Significant Difference tests, chi-square tests of independence, F-tests, and stepwise AIC techniques were utilized in data analyses. Results: Sleep quality was the strongest predictor of mental and physical well-being (Estimate = 0.500, P < .001). While no differences in sleep quality or well-being were identified by sex, age, or student status, physical activity was higher among males and younger participants. Conclusion: Young adulthood is a crucial time to establish healthy physical activity and sleep patterns to promote well-being. Collection of data during the COVID pandemic may limit generalizability of results.