Factors Influencing the Happiness of Korean Adults with Difficulty Sleeping: An Analysis of the Eighth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, Phase 3 (2021)

Objectives This study aims to identify factors that influence the happiness of Korean adults who have difficulty sleeping, providing a foundation for initiatives that promote their overall well-being. Methods This study utilized data from the 3rd year of the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2021) to analyze factors affecting happiness in Korean adults aged 40 and older with difficulty sleeping. Happiness status was examined through complex sample frequency analysis, and differences by general characteristics were analyzed using the complex sample Rao-Scott Chi-square test. Significant variables were adjusted, and factors influencing happiness were identified using complex sample multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results Key factors influencing happiness among Korean adults with sleep difficulties included age, employment status, stress perception, suicidal ideation, depression, subjective health status, and physical activity. Happiness was 2.44 times higher in adults in their 40s than in those in their 70s. Employed individuals were 2.22 times more likely to report happiness, while low stress perception increased happiness by 2.92 times. Participants without suicidal thoughts were 7.67 times more likely to feel happy, and those without depressive symptoms had a 1.67 times higher likelihood of happiness. For subjective health, individuals who rated their health as fair were 2.74 times more likely to feel happy than those who rated it as poor, and those who rated their health as good were 2.07 times more likely. Individuals who walked at least four days per week reported 2.60 times higher happiness than those who did not walk, and those who engaged in resistance exercises 1-3 days per week had a 4.97 times higher likelihood of happiness. Conclusions This study highlights the impact of age, employment status, mental health factors, subjective health perception, and regular physical activities(such as walking and resistance exercises) on happiness. These findings suggest the importance of customized exercise programs and enhanced mental health and stress management resources for middle-aged and older adults facing sleep difficulties.