Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 14, 2026

A Chronic Sleep Fragmentation Model using Vibrating Orbital Rotor to Induce Cognitive Deficit and Anxiety-Like Behavior in Young Wild-Type Mice

A Chronic Sleep Fragmentation Model using Vibrating Orbital Rotor to Induce Cognitive Deficit and Anxiety-Like Behavior in Young Wild-Type Mice

Published on: September 22, 2020

Vigorous physical activity is associated with reduced sleep fragmentation in obstructive sleep apnea: A sex-specific

Heewon Bae¹, Sung-A Kong², Pamela Song¹

¹Department of Neurology, Inje University College of Medicine, Ilsan Paik Hospital, Goyang, Republic of Korea.

|May 12, 2026

Abstract

Background:

Sleep fragmentation is a key pathophysiological feature of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Although physical activity is known to improve sleep, the dose-specific effects of vigorous-intensity physical activity on objective sleep fragmentation in OSA remain incompletely established.

Objective:

To evaluate whether vigorous-intensity physical activity is associated with polysomnography-derived sleep fragmentation and other sleep parameters in adults with OSA, and to determine whether these associations differ by sex.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of adults who underwent polysomnography at a tertiary sleep center between September 2025 and January 2026. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, and vigorous activity was defined based on frequency and duration criteria. Sleep parameters, including arousal index, wake after sleep onset (WASO), sleep efficiency, total sleep time, and sleep latency, were analyzed. Sex-stratified analyses were performed using multivariable linear regression models adjusted for relevant clinical covariates.

Results:

A total of 343 participants were included. Among patients with OSA, vigorous-intensity physical activity was associated with improved sleep continuity, particularly in females. In this subgroup, vigorous activity was significantly associated with lower arousal index, lower WASO, higher sleep efficiency, and longer total sleep time. In contrast, no significant association with arousal index was observed in males. A significant interaction between sex and vigorous activity was identified for arousal index.

Conclusions:

Vigorous-intensity physical activity was associated with reduced sleep fragmentation in OSA, with a more pronounced association in females. The findings of the current study indicate that exercise intensity may potentially be a modifiable factor in sleep fragmentation associated with OSA.

Keywords:

Arousal index Obstructive sleep apnea Physical activity Polysomnography Sex differences Sleep fragmentation

More Related Videos

Acupoint Application Combined with Ear Plaster Therapy for Treating Sleep Disorders with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Acupoint Application Combined with Ear Plaster Therapy for Treating Sleep Disorders with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Published on: October 18, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops intermittently during sleep, often leading to significant health issues. Each episode can last from 10 to 20 seconds or more and is frequently accompanied by a brief arousal from sleep. This disturbance, largely unnoticed by the individual, can lead to severe daytime fatigue. Commonly, individuals seek help after being informed by their partners about loud snoring and noticeable breathing pauses during sleep.
The condition is more prevalent among...

Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep

Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep

Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...

Sleep-Wake Cycles

Sleep-Wake Cycles

Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:

Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation

Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation

Insufficient sleep refers to not getting the recommended amount of sleep for optimal functioning, even if it's just slightly less than needed. Sleep insufficiency may occur due to lifestyle choices, such as staying up late for social events or work, resulting in routinely getting less sleep than required. For example, consistently sleeping 6 hours when the body needs 7-9 hours can lead to cumulative effects on health and well-being.
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...

Understanding Sleep

Understanding Sleep

Sleep, an essential biological state, involves significant reductions in physical activity, sensory awareness, and interaction with the environment. This complex physiological process is primarily regulated by specific brain regions, notably the hypothalamus and pons, which govern the sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm.
The circadian rhythm, a nearly 24-hour cycle, is deeply influenced by environmental light cues. Light exposure directly affects the hypothalamus, which in turn regulates...

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Body composition profiles and metabolic vulnerability in comorbid insomnia and sleep apnea (COMISA): A large-scale BIA analysis.

Sleep medicine·2026

Neuromelanin-sensitive MRI for identifying dopamine transporter imaging abnormality risk in idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder.

Brain imaging and behavior·2026

Inverse association between dietary potassium-to-sodium ratio and systemic inflammatory markers: A cross-sectional analysis of the NHANES 2021-2023 data.

Medicine·2026

Multimodal Free-Water Imaging Links Cardiometabolic Risk to Periarterial Dysfunction and Amyloid Accumulation in Early Alzheimer's.

Research square·2026

Tracking the night: measuring age and sex patterns in sleep duration using wearable technology.

Sleep·2026

Association between sleep disorders and low muscle mass based on body composition metrics.

Scientific reports·2026

See all related articles