The effects of physical activity on sleep quality, job satisfaction, and quality of life in office workers.

BACKGROUND

A sedentary lifestyle has negative effects on many aspects of life.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of physical activity on sleep quality, job satisfaction, and quality of life in office workers.

METHODS

A convenience sample of office workers from administrative staff of a university was included. There were two groups; Group I did regular physical activity for at least eight weeks, and Group II did no regular physical activity. Sleep quality, job satisfaction, and quality of life were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Minnesota Job Satisfaction Scale, and the World Health Organization Quality-of-Life-Scale (WHOQOL-BREF), respectively.

RESULTS

Group I included 59 individuals and Group II 50 individuals. No significant differences were found between groups in terms of age, height, weight, and the period of time worked (p > 0.05). Although no significant difference was found in terms of sleep quality (p = 0.52), the overall job satisfaction of Group I was higher than Group II (p = 0.03). All subscales of the WHOQOL-BREF for Group I was higher than Group II (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Regular physical activity could increase job satisfaction and quality of life for office workers. Further studies investigating the effect of physical activity in terms of its type, duration should be performed.