The association between physical activity and depression among weekend catch-up sleepers: results from NHANES 2021-2023

BMC Psychiatry. 2025 Jul 16;25(1):709. doi: 10.1186/s12888-025-07095-6.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Depression is a prevalent disorder with significant health impacts. Physical activity is known to protect against depression, but its effects may vary in populations with disrupted sleep patterns, such as weekend catch-up sleepers, which refers to participants who sleep longer on weekends than on weekdays. This study examines the dose-response relationship between physical activity and depression in this population.

METHODS: Data from 1,906 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2021-2023) were analyzed. Physical activity was measured in MET-minutes per week, and depression was assessed using the PHQ-9. Multivariate linear regression, restricted cubic spline, and two-part linear regression models were employed.

RESULTS: In the adjusted model, physical activity showed a negative trend with depression, though this association did not reach statistical significance in the fully adjusted model. Stratified analyses revealed stronger associations in women (OR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.75, 0.99, P = 0.0329) and individuals aged 40-60 years (OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.65, 0.97, P = 0.0237). A threshold effect was observed, with physical activity below 2.48 MET-min/1000-wk showing a negative association with depression (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.56, 0.85, P = 0.0006). Beyond this threshold, the relationship changed.

CONCLUSION: A nonlinear relationship between physical activity and depression was identified in weekend catch-up sleepers, with moderate activity levels (2.48 MET-min/1000-wk) offering the greatest mental health benefits, particularly in women and individuals aged 40-60 years.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.

PMID:40670949 | DOI:10.1186/s12888-025-07095-6