Physical activity is associated with better sleep quality in night shift nurses
A cross-sectional study of 400 night shift nurses found a statistically significant negative correlation between total physical activity and total PSQI score (r = -0.162, p = 0.001), indicating that higher physical activity levels are associated with better sleep quality. The youngest age group showed a higher proportion of high physical activity (52.3%) compared to the oldest group (28.9%), and sleep quality differed significantly by age across most PSQI subscales.
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Physical activity is associated with better sleep quality in night shift nurses The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 34/100 (low).
The Claim
Physical activity is associated with better sleep quality in night shift nurses
This conclusion is most relevant to: 400 night shift nurses working at hospitals.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Sleep Quality and Physical Activity of Night Shift Nurses Working at Hospitals: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study. (Nursing reports (Pavia, Italy), 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Physical activity may reduce physiological arousal and stress
- ▸Exercise promotes thermoregulatory changes that facilitate sleep onset
- ▸Regular activity can help regulate circadian rhythms disrupted by night shifts
- ▸Result: Better overall sleep quality and reduced sleep latency
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸400 night shift nurses working at hospitals
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Cross-sectional design prevents establishing causality between physical activity and sleep quality
- ▸Self-reported data for both physical activity and sleep quality may introduce recall bias
Frequently Asked Questions
Does physical activity improve sleep quality in night shift nurses?▼
Yes, the study found a significant negative correlation (r = -0.162, p = 0.001) between total physical activity and PSQI score, meaning higher activity levels were associated with better sleep quality.
How does age affect sleep quality in night shift nurses?▼
Sleep quality differed significantly by age across almost all PSQI subscales (p < 0.001), with older nurses showing worse sleep quality and lower physical activity levels.
What was the sample size of this study?▼
The study included 400 night shift nurses from hospitals.
Is this study causal or correlational?▼
This is a cross-sectional observational study, so it only shows correlation, not causation, between physical activity and sleep quality.
References
- 1.Zydziunaite V. “Sleep Quality and Physical Activity of Night Shift Nurses Working at Hospitals: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study..” Nursing reports (Pavia, Italy), 2026. PMID: 42506010 DOI: 10.3390/nursrep16070223