The relationships between stress, physical activity, mood, cognitive-emotional abilities, personality traits, and sleep

Sleep quality and duration are shaped by a complex interplay of behavioral, psychological, and sociodemographic factors. This study aimed to examine the relationships between physical activity, perceived stress, mood, personality traits, and cognitive- emotional abilities in relation to adult sleep patterns. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,140 participants (27.1% men, 72.9% women; aged 18–64). Sleep parameters were assessed using items adapted from the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Additional validated tools measured physical activity (IPAQ), perceived stress (PSS-10), mood (BRUMS), emotional intelligence (SSREIT), personality traits (BFI), moral decision-making, and cognitive reflection. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, two-way ANOVAs, and multi-step general linear modeling. Women reported higher levels of perceived stress, fatigue, emotional intelligence, and empathetic decision-making, while men showed greater vigor, BMI, and leisure-time physical activity. No significant gender differences were found in sleep duration or latency, although men tended to go to bed later. Sleep outcomes were most strongly influenced by demographic factors, including age, gender, place of residence, education, and physical job demands. Psychological variables, including fatigue, anger, and vigor, also played a significant role. Additionally, personality traits like neuroticism, conscientiousness, and openness, along with body mass index, perceived health, and leisure-time physical activity, were important predictors of sleep quality. Conversely, other expected psychosocial factors—such as happiness, perceived stress, sedentary behavior, emotional intelligence, depression, confusion, and work-related moderate to vigorous physical activity—were not found to be significant. Our findings indicate that sleep indicators are related to various sociodemographic factors, personality traits, overall health, mood profiles, and notably, physical activity during leisure time. However, we did not find any significant connections between sleep indicators and cognitive-emotional abilities, such as emotional intelligence, cognitive reflection, and empathy. Trial registration