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Physical activity (PA), sleep, and sedentary behavior are interrelated components of the 24-hour movement framework that shape children’s and adolescents’ health. However, nationally repre-sentative data examining these relationships is scarce in Latin America. This study investigated the association between PA levels and perceived sleep quality among Chilean youth using data from the 2024 National Survey of Physical Activity and Sports Habits (ENAFYD). A weighted, cross-sectional analysis was conducted in a nationally representative sample of 4,150 participants aged 5-17 years. Physical activity was assessed across school, recreational, domestic, and transport domains, while perceived sleep quality was rated on a five-point Likert scale. Weighted linear regression models examined the association between overall PA and sleep quality, adjusting for age group and socioeconomic status. Higher overall physical activity was independently associated with better perceived sleep quality (β = 0.06), with stronger effects observed among children aged 5-11 years compared to adoles-cents. No significant associations were found between PA and weekday or weekend sleep dura-tion. Regional analyses indicated pronounced disparities, with higher inactivity and lower sleep quality in southern regions such as Los Ríos and La Araucanía. Regular participation in physical activity is associated with better perceived sleep quality among Chilean children and adolescents. These findings suggest the potential importance of integrating physical activity promotion with sleep education in national and regional public health strategies. The study provides the first nationally representative evidence to support the implementation of 24-hour movement guidelines and equitable health policies for youth in Chile. What are the main findings? What are the implications of the main findings?
Souza-Lima et al. (Tue,) studied this question.