Physical activity, body weight, and liver function as factors increasing Insomnia index among Korean adults: a cross-sectional analysis

Background This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between physical activity, body weight, liver function, and insomnia in Korean adults, thereby providing a foundation for health promotion strategies. Methods We recruited 11,645 adults (8,051 males and 3,594 females). Participants underwent assessments using the Korean version of the Insomnia Severity Index, measures of physical activity (PA), anthropometric data (body weight, height, body mass index [BMI], and waist circumference [WC]), and liver function (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase [AST], and gamma-glutamyl transferase). Results One-way ANOVA revealed significant differences among male groups in height (p < .001), weight (p = .036), BMI (p = .002), diastolic blood pressure (p = .008), AST (p = .036), recreational PA (p = .026), moderate PA (p < .01), vigorous PA (p < .01), and moderate-to-vigorous PA (p < .001). Similarly, significant differences were found among female groups in height (p < .001), weight (p = .001), BMI (p = .006), WC (p = .013), moderate PA (p < .001), vigorous PA (p < .001), and moderate-to-vigorous PA (p < .001). Conclusion To prevent insomnia, it is essential to enhance physical activity and manage factors related to body weight and liver function, such as BMI, WC, and AST. Increasing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is particularly crucial, as it has a substantial positive impact on reducing body weight and improving liver function.