Investigation of the relationship between university students' physical activity levels and night eating and sleep severity

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between physical activity levels, night eating and sleep severity of university students in terms of various variables. A total of 588 students from different universities voluntarily participated in the study. As data collection tools, the Night Eating Questionnaire (NLE), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and International Physical Activity Assessment Questionnaire - Short Form (IPAQ) scale were used. When the findings of the study were examined, a significant difference was found between the age groups when the total IPAQ scores of the participants were compared according to age groups (p<0.05). A significant difference was found between genders in terms of participants' night eating habits and total score (p<0.05). According to this result, it was concluded that women eat at night more than men. A significant difference was found between age groups in terms of night eating, mood, state and sleep disorder and night eating habits scores (p<0.05). Night eating, mood, state and sleep disturbance scores were found to be higher in the 18-23 age group. It was concluded that there was a statistically significant difference between the physical activity status of the individuals participating in the study and gender (p<0.05). According to this result, when the total NSSI scores were compared according to age groups, it was concluded that participants aged 24 years and older had more insomnia. In terms of the total score of nocturnal eating habits, it was found that women ate more at night than men. In terms of night eating, mood and sleep disturbance and night eating scores, it was concluded that individuals in the 18-23 age group ate more at night. When activity status was compared according to gender, it was concluded that women were more minimally active than men, while men were inactive. When the genders were compared in terms of Body Mass Index (BMI), it was concluded that women were thinner and men were fatter. As a result, it was found that female individuals were more active than male individuals, female individuals were thinner than male individuals and female individuals ate more at night than male individuals. Keywords: Physical activity, Night Eating Syndrome, Insomnia Severity Index, University