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Higher physical activity scores and healthier nutrition-related behaviors are associated with lower odds of insomnia among female nurses

In a cross-sectional study of 328 female nurses in Taiwan, higher physical activity scores (AOR=0.92, 95% CI: 0.85-0.99) and healthier nutrition-related behaviors (AOR=0.91, 95% CI: 0.84-0.98) were associated with lower odds of insomnia. Working 10-12 hours per day was associated with higher odds of insomnia (AOR=2.21, 95% CI: 1.20-4.07).

Last updated: Jul 23, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score34/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. How physical activity and nutrition are associated with sleep health among female nurses: A cross-sectional study.

observational

Hu CJ, Huang MF, Lin YT · Work (Reading, Mass.) (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: N/A
Intervention: Physical activity and nutrition-related behaviors (measured via health-promotion lifestyle scales)
Outcome: Insomnia (measured via insomnia scale)
Effect Size: AOR=0.92 (physical activity), AOR=0.91 (nutrition), AOR=2.21 (working 10-12 hours)
Population: Female hospital nurses in Taiwan with at least one year of work experience (n=328)

Result:

PubMed: 42464114DOI: 10.1177/10519815261470414

Mechanism Graph

Physical activity may improve sleep through regulation of circadian rhythms and reduction of stress
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Healthy nutrition may support neurotransmitter synthesis and hormonal balance
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Combined lifestyle factors may reduce hyperarousal and improve sleep drive
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Result: Lower odds of insomnia

Limitations

  • ⚠Cross-sectional design prevents causal inference
  • ⚠Convenience sampling may limit generalizability to all female nurses
  • ⚠Self-reported measures of physical activity, nutrition, and insomnia may introduce recall bias

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the sample size and population of this study?▼

The study included 328 female hospital nurses in Taiwan with at least one year of work experience.

Did the study find a causal relationship between physical activity and insomnia?▼

No, due to the cross-sectional design, the authors note that causal inferences cannot be drawn; only associations were found.

What specific work factor was associated with higher insomnia odds?▼

Working 10-12 hours per day was associated with higher odds of insomnia (AOR=2.21, 95% CI: 1.20-4.07).

How were physical activity and nutrition measured?▼

Physical activity and nutrition-related behaviors were assessed using health-promotion lifestyle scales.

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References

  1. 1.Hu CJ, Huang MF, Lin YT. "How physical activity and nutrition are associated with sleep health among female nurses: A cross-sectional study.." Work (Reading, Mass.), 2026. PMID: 42464114 DOI: 10.1177/10519815261470414
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.