Greater bed- and wake-time variability is associated with less healthy lifestyle behaviors: a cross-sectional study.
OBJECTIVE
This study examines associations between the variability in bed/rise times, usual bed/rise time and dietary quality, physical activity, alcohol consumption, sitting time, sleep insufficiency and a composite index of behaviors.


METHODS
A random sample of Australian adults drawn from an online Panel cohort in 2013 completed a cross-sectional online survey. A total of 1,317 participants, median age 57 (IQR=20) completed the survey. Bed- and wake times, variability in bed- and wake-times, dietary quality, physical activity, alcohol consumption, sitting time, sleep insufficiency and socio-demographics were assessed using a questionnaire. Associations were examined with generalized linear models.


RESULTS
Having bed - times that varied by >30 min were associated with lower dietary quality, higher alcohol consumption, higher sitting time, more frequent insufficient sleep and poorer overall pattern of lifestyle behaviors. Greater variability in wake times, usual bed times and usual wake times were inconsistently associated with lifestyle behaviours.


CONCLUSIONS
Greater bed-time variability is associated with a less healthy pattern of lifestyle behaviors. Greater consistency in sleep timing may contribute to, or be reflective of, a healthier lifestyle.
School of Medicine and Public Health; Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
Mitch J
MJ
Duncan
Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
Christopher E
CE
Kline
Physical Activity Research Group, School of Human, Health, and Social Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Queensland 4702, Australia.
Amanda L
AL
Rebar
Physical Activity Research Group, School of Human, Health, and Social Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Queensland 4702, Australia.
Corneel
C
Vandelanotte
Freemasons Foundation Centre for Men's Health, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia.
Camille E
CE
Short
Adult; Alcohol; Diet; Hygiene; Multiple lifestyle behaviors; Nutrition; Physical activity; Sitting time; Sleep; Timing; Variability