Associations between sedentary behavior, mental well-being, and sleep dysregulation: cross-sectional evidence from student populations

This study investigates the prevalence of sedentary behavior and examines its association with mental well-being and sleep patterns. This cross-sectional study included 649 medical students. Participants completed a structured, closed-ended survey assessing demographic characteristics, mental well-being, and sleep-related variables. A high prevalence of sedentary behavior was identified among students (60.1%). Sedentary behavior was significantly associated with mental well-being (p=0.04), sleep patterns (p=0.01), and screen time (p<0.001). Multinomial regression analyses demonstrated that sedentary behavior significantly predicted poor mental health [odds ratio (OR)=1.66; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11-2.48; p=0.01] and screen time of 4 to 6 hours per day (OR=2.24; 95% CI: 1.19-4.21; p=0.01). The likelihood of exceeding 6 hours of screen time was even higher (OR=6.0; 95% CI: 3.23-11.12; p<0.001). Additionally, sedentary behavior was associated with a significantly increased odds of irregular sleep (OR=1.63; 95% CI: 1.16-2.29; p=0.005). The high prevalence of sedentary behavior and its strong association with sleep dysregulation highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions. Implementing strategies to reduce prolonged sitting and promote healthier sleep and mental health practices may provide significant benefits. Additional research utilizing longitudinal or experimental designs across diverse institutions is necessary to clarify causal mechanisms and inform the development of effective prevention strategies.