Better sleep quality and higher physical activity levels predict lower emotion dysregulation among persons with major depression disorder

BACKGROUND: People with Major Depression Disorders (MDD) often complain about sleep problems and experience emotion dysregulation. Prior research suggests physical activity can improve both sleep quality and emotional control. However, there is limited research on emotion regulation and the impact of physical activity and sleep in this population. OBJECTIVES: The present study examined the relationships between sleep quality, emotion regulation, and physical activity levels among patients with MDD. METHODS: The sample consisted of 118 patients with MDD (mean age: 31.85 years) who completed questionnaires on sleep quality, physical activity, emotion regulation, and depression. RESULTS: Results showed that more sleep problems were associated with worse emotion dysregulation, and more physical activity was associated with fewer sleep problems and less emotion dysregulation. Furthermore, physical activity and sleep quality significantly predicted emotion dysregulation, with physical activity being the stronger predictor. CONCLUSIONS: Results from this study suggest that individuals with MDD who are able to engage in physical activity and get better sleep could experience emotional regulation benefits.