A1 Journal article (refereed)
Role of physical activity in the relationship between recovery from work and insomnia among early childhood education and care professionals: a cross-sectional study (2024)
Karihtala, T., Puttonen, S., Valtonen, A. M., Kautiainen, H., Hopsu, L., & Heinonen, A. (2024). Role of physical activity in the relationship between recovery from work and insomnia among early childhood education and care professionals: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open, 14(3), Article e079746. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079746
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Karihtala, Tiina; Puttonen, Sampsa; Valtonen, Anu M.; Kautiainen, Hannu; Hopsu, Leila; Heinonen, Ari
Journal or series: BMJ Open
ISSN: 2044-6055
eISSN: 2044-6055
Publication year: 2024
Volume: 14
Issue number: 3
Article number: e079746
Publisher: BMJ
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079746
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Open Access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/94151
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the association between recovery from work and insomnia and the role of objectively measured leisure-time physical activity and occupational physical activity in this association.
Design
Cross-sectional.
Setting and participants
Study with female early childhood education and care professionals (N=224) in Finland was conducted between April 2017 and September 2018.
Methods
Recovery from work was measured with the Need for Recovery scale and insomnia with the Jenkins Sleep Scale. Physical activity was measured with an accelerometer for 7 days and analysed to represent leisure-time physical activity and occupational physical activity (min/day).
Results
Both Jenkins Sleep Scale and occupational physical activity significantly predicted Need for Recovery (β=0.29; 95% CI 0.17 to 0.42 and β=0.14; 95% CI 0.01 to 0.27, respectively). A low relationship was observed between the Need for Recovery and Jenkins Sleep Scale (r=0.32, 95% Cl 0.19 to 0.44). After categorising participants into four groups based on median splits of occupational and leisure-time physical activity, relationships between the Need for Recovery and Jenkins Sleep Scale were low to moderate in the high occupational physical activity and leisure time physical activity group (r=0.38, 95% Cl 0.14 to 0.61), and in the high occupational physical activity and low leisure-time physical activity group (r=0.40, 95% Cl 0.18 to 0.63).
Conclusion
Both insomnia and physical activity at work seem to be relevant in recovery from work. To enhance recovery, especially those involved in high physical activity at work, should seek methods to improve recovery, by incorporating activities that promote recuperation both during their workday and in their leisure time. Further research on the relevance of physical activity in recovery with longitudinal setting is warranted.
Keywords: physical activity; physical training; leisure; physical fitness; immobility
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
Preliminary JUFO rating: 1
