The relationship between physical activity and sleep disorders in adolescents: a chain-mediated model of anxiety and mobile phone dependence

BackgroundAdolescent sleep disorders have emerged as a significant global public health issue. This study aims to investigate the relationship between physical activity and sleep disorders in adolescents, and to further analyze the chain mediating effects of anxiety and mobile phone dependence, with the goal of providing empirical evidence for related clinical research.MethodsThis cross-sectional study collected data through an offline questionnaire survey conducted in 2024. The survey assessed physical activity, sleep disorders, anxiety, and mobile phone dependence. Descriptive statistics and correlation analyses were utilized to construct a chain mediation model.ResultsA total of 495 valid samples were obtained, with 227 girls (45.9%) and 268 boys (54.1%). The average age of the participants was 13.37 years (SD = 1.05). The results indicated significant negative correlations between physical activity and adolescent anxiety, mobile phone dependence, and sleep disorders. Anxiety and mobile phone dependence fully mediated the relationship between physical activity and sleep disorders.ConclusionThis study provides further insight into the underlying mechanisms linking physical activity and sleep disorders in adolescents. Physical activity not only has a direct negative effect on sleep disorders but also indirectly predicts sleep disorders through its impact on anxiety and mobile phone dependence. It is recommended that families and schools encourage increased physical activity among adolescents, as it can reduce anxiety and mobile phone dependence, thereby alleviating sleep disorders.