Sleep and Childhood Mental Health: Role of Physical Activity and Cardiorespiratory Fitness

Abstract

Introduction: Sleep is considered an important health indicator and plays a key role in brain development and plasticity. Objective: To ascertain whether there is a relationship between sleep quality and mental health indicators and whether organized physical activity (PA) or cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) act as moderators of this association. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach. The sample consisted of 226 students between six and 11 years of age, male and female, in the early years of elementary education at a public school in Porto Alegre, Brazil, which was selected for convenience. CRF was measured by running test and six-minute walk. Sleep quality and organized physical activity outside of school were verified through an anamnesis, socioeconomic status through an adaptation of the ABEP (Brazilian Association of Research Companies) questionnaire, and mental health indicators with the assistance of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, all answered by parents. Frequencies, means, standard deviations and generalized linear models were used for the data analysis, while a 95% confidence interval was used for the analyses. Results: Sleep quality was associated with total difficulties (β=7.659, p<0.001), emotional symptoms (β= 1.754; p=0.001), hyperactivity/inattentiveness (β=3.054, p <0.001), conduct problems (β=1.619, p<0.001) and peer relationship problems (β=1.231; p=0.007) in boys. In girls it was related to total difficulties (β=3.421; p=0.006), and conduct problems (β=1.235; p=0.003). However, the interactions were not significant. Conclusion: Although they occur independently, stress is placed on the importance of sleeping well, engaging in organized PA and having good CRF levels for the improvement and maintenance of mental health. Level of evidence III; Case-control study.

Relationship of Physical Activity and Sleep Duration with Self-Concept, Mediterranean Diet and Problematic Videogame Use in Children: Structural Equation Analysis as a Function of Gender

“…Sedentary leisure (number of hours of television, computer and console) is significantly and inversely related to hours of sleep and physical activity [19]. For this reason, it is considered necessary to have the appropriate number of hours of sleep for the relevant age group, as insomnia can negatively affect children's performance [20,21].…”

Electronic Devices and Social Networks Use Out of School and Sleep Conditions: What is the Role of Sports?

“…Several physiology responses of physical activity in sleep conditions have been showed (9). However, the results seem to be inconsistent (3,9,11) and frequently showed a weak association. However, as we found in our data, several studies appointed some evidence that a longer sleep duration was associated with less sedentary time and a higher proportion of daily physical activity (9).…”

“…Children and teenagers have shown insu cient sleep time and several sleep disorders (1,2). Sleep conditions are one of the most important concerns associated with youth health (3,4). Duration, quality of sleep and analyses of several disorders while sleeping are reported as risk factors for physical and mental concerns (5)(6)(7).…”

“…Duration, quality of sleep and analyses of several disorders while sleeping are reported as risk factors for physical and mental concerns (5)(6)(7). Studies have carried results about the early consequences of unhealthy sleep conditions in children and teenagers' development (2)(3)(4)8).…”

Fatores de risco e proteção para a saúde mental na adolescência em cidades pequenas

“…O Ministério da Saúde também aponta para a importância da atividade física na promoção e manutenção da saúde do adolescente (BRASIL, 2017). Fochesatto et al (2020) indicam que a OMS incluiu o sono e a atividade física como componentes de uma tríade básica para a promoção da saúde mental. Os autores, em estudo de caso-controle, encontraram associação entre a qualidade do sono e sintomas emocionais, hiperatividade e desatenção, problemas de conduta e problemas de relacionamento com os pares, nos meninos, enquanto para as meninas as relações encontradas não foram significativas.…”