The Relationship between Physical Activity, Sleep Quality, and Stress: A Study of Teachers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Fabio Fontana (), Kelsey Bourbeau, Terence Moriarty and Michael Pereira da Silva
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Fabio Fontana: Department of Kinesiology, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614, USA
Kelsey Bourbeau: Department of Kinesiology, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614, USA
Terence Moriarty: Department of Kinesiology, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614, USA
Michael Pereira da Silva: Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande 90040-060, Brazil

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 23, 1-9

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic prompted chaotic changes in the daily lives of K-12 teachers, resulting in increased stress and other mental health problems. Limited evidence regarding the relationship between physical activity, sleep, and perceived stress among teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic exists. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the association between physical activity, sleep quality, and perceived psychological stress among teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey measuring physical activity, sleep quality, and perceived psychological stress was distributed across 47 US states between September and October of 2020. Data provided by 635 teachers (mean age: 42 ± 18 years, 74.6% female) were included in the present analysis. Results suggested a negative association between physical activity and perceived psychological stress. Mediation analyses indicated that teachers engaging in high levels of physical activity were more likely to have good quality sleep and, in turn, were less likely to report high levels of perceived stress. Physical activity and sleep-related interventions could help curtail the rising levels of psychological distress amongst K-12 teachers during stressful times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Teachers, especially those that self-report as female and/or young, report high levels of stress. These high levels of stress are a serious challenge for school districts in terms of attracting and retaining qualified teachers in K-12 classrooms.

Keywords: COVID-19; teacher; mediating effect; physical activity; sleep; stress (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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