Objective: To analyze the association of exercises and physical activity with the
perception of sleep quality by adolescents.Methods: This is a cross-sectional epidemiological survey with statewide coverage,
whose sample was composed of 6,261 adolescents (14-19 years old) who were
selected by random sampling of conglomerates. The Global School-Based
Student Health Survey questionnaire was used for data collection. The
chi-square test and the binary logistic regression were applied for data
analyses. Results: In the sample, 29% of adolescents did not exercise and were not classified
as physically active. Adolescents who did not exercise were more likely to
present a negative perception of sleep quality (OR 1.13, 95%CI 1.04-1.28,
p=0.043). No association between the level of physical activity and the
perception of sleep quality was found (OR 1.01, 95%CI 0.89-1.14, p=0.868).
Those who practiced exercises only had less chance of perceiving sleep
quality as poor (OR 0.82, 95%CI 0.71-0.95). However, those who practiced
exercise and had a physically active life had less chances of having a
negative perception of their sleep (OR 0.79, 95%CI 0.68-0.93). Conclusions: Practicing physical activity alone was not enough to increase the chances of
positive sleep quality perception. Only physical exercise had a positive
association with sleep quality perception.