Analysis of the Relationship Between Physical Activity Status and Sleep Problems of Primary Education Students: Elazig Sample

Abstract

Objective: Physical activity and sleep are critical for the healthy growth and development of children. This study was conducted to analyze the relationship between physical activity status and sleep problems of primary education students.Materials and Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders attending a primary education school in the east of Turkey and their parents (n=500). Descriptive Information Form, Physical Activity Efficacy Scale and Sleep Disturbance Scale For Children were used in the study. The data were evaluated with arithmetic mean, percentage, standard deviation, independent groups t-test, and Pearson correlation test.Results: It was found that 73% of the students included in the study were in the 12-13 age group and average night-time sleep duration was found to be 8.37 +/- 1.27 hours. No correlations were found between students' age, gender, and family type and their Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children scores (p>0.05). A correlation was found between students' gender and their physical activity efficacy scale in transportation dimension scores and total mean scores (p<0.05). No correlation was found between the sleep disturbance scale for children and the Physical Activity Efficacy Scale (p>0.05). Conclusion: It is thought that primary education students did not experience sleep problems due to their high physical activity levels.