Associations of sedentary behavior and physical activity with sleep disorders in patients with osteoarthritis: The mediating role of inflammatory biomarkers

Objective: This study examines how physical activity and sedentary behavior influence sleep disturbances in OA patients, with inflammation potentially mediating these effects. Methods: Data related to OA, sleep disorders, sleep quality, inflammatory markers, physical activity and sedentary behavior from 4386 adults were collected from the NHANES. Mediation analysis evaluated inflammation's role. Results: Sedentary behavior increased sleep disorder risk in OA patients, while physical activity was protective. Inflammatory markers (notably CRP and NLR) mediated 5.3 %-17.9 % of the association between OA and sleep disorders. Physical activity's protective effect was stronger in highly sedentary individuals. Conclusion: Reducing sedentary behavior and increasing physical activity may improve sleep in OA, potentially via inflammatory pathways. Further longitudinal research is warranted.