Objective: To examine the associations between physical activity (PA), sleep duration, and cognitive function among middle-aged and older adults, focusing on the mediating and moderating roles of sleep duration.
Methods: Data were derived from the 2020 wave of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. A cross-sectional design was employed. Multiple linear regression and PROCESS Models 1 and 4 were used to analyze the effects of PA intensity and sleep duration on cognitive function, as well as their interactive relationships.
Results: Sleep duration was a significant positive predictor of cognitive function (B = 0.214, p < 0.001). Moderate- and light-intensity PA were negatively associated with cognitive performance (B = −1.068 and B = −1.401, p < 0.001), whereas vigorous-intensity PA was positively associated (B = 0.546, p < 0.001). Sleep duration buffered the negative effect of moderate-intensity PA on cognition but amplified the detrimental effect of light-intensity activity. Moreover, sleep duration suppressed the positive association between vigorous PA and cognitive function.
Conclusion: PA and sleep duration appear to be associated with cognitive function through interaction and mediation pathways. Optimizing both PA and sleep behaviors may contribute to the preservation of cognitive function.
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2025 The Author(s). Sleep Research published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Chinese Sleep Research Society.
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