The Relationship Between Sleep Quality and Depression Among Female Employees in Higher Education Institutions: The Mediating Role of Physical Activity

This study examined the relationship between sleep quality and depressive mood among female university employees in China, focusing on the mediating role of physical activity at different intensity levels. A total of 374 participants completed an online survey using the PSQI, CES-D, and IPAQ-SF, and data were analyzed using PROCESS Macro Model 4 and Amos. The results showed that poor sleep quality significantly predicted higher depressive mood, with overall physical activity partially mediating this relationship; however, only moderate-intensity physical activity showed a significant mediating effect.<br/>These findings suggest that the mental health benefits of physical activity among working women may vary by activity intensity, underscoring the importance of moderate-intensity physical activity for improving sleep quality and alleviating depressive symptoms.