Is happiness the strongest predictor of sleep quality? A study on physical activity, stress, and health in Uzbekistan.

OBJECTIVE

Aim: To identify key predictors of sleep quality among adults in Uzbekistan, with a focus on health-related factors such as physical activity, psychological well-being (happiness, stress, loneliness), and self-rated health status. The research addresses a critical and growing public health issue in transitional societies, where sleep disturbances remain underexplored despite their widespread impact on overall health and well-being.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Materials and

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted online in June 2024 among 450 adults aged 18 and older from various regions of Uzbekistan. Sleep quality was assessed using a 5-point Likert scale. Independent variables included physical activity, happiness, stress, loneliness, and health status. Ordinal logistic regression was applied, controlling for socio-demographic characteristics.

RESULTS

Results

Happiness (OR = 1.812, p < 0.001) and physical activity (OR = 1.293, p = 0.045) were significantly associated with better sleep quality, while stress (OR = 0.833, p = 0.026) and poor health (OR = 0.526, p < 0.001) predicted lower sleep quality. Subgroup analysis confirmed that age and gender modulate these associations, with happiness remaining the strongest and most consistent predictor.

CONCLUSION

Conclusions

These findings highlight the pivotal roles of emotional well-being, lifestyle, and health in shaping sleep quality. Public health strategies should incorporate mental wellness, physical activity, and stress management to improve population-level sleep outcomes in Uzbekistan and similar socio-cultural contexts.