- Majority exhibited low Mediterranean diet adherence (72%) and insufficient physical activity, with 69% not meeting guidelines and 66% low or moderate activity.
- Meal and activity patterns were commonly irregular, with 71% reporting irregular meals and 60% reporting irregular physical activity routines.
- Support acceptable to many (57%, AIM 3.8/5), with higher acceptability in women and severe insomnia; Mediterranean adherence lower in men, younger, lower education.
Health Psychol Behav Med. 2026 Aug 24;14(1):2721023. doi: 10.1080/21642850.2026.2721023. eCollection 2026.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: High adherence to a Mediterranean diet and regular moderate-intensity physical activity (≥5 days/week, ≥30 minutes/day) reduce the risk of insomnia symptom onset and maintenance, yet engagement in these behaviours among adults with insomnia symptoms and the acceptability of lifestyle support are not well understood.
METHODS: Objectives: (1) characterise diet and physical activity behaviours among people with insomnia symptoms, including adherence to the Mediterranean diet and physical activity guidelines (moderate-intensity physical activity on ≥5days/week for ≥30 minutes/day), as well as the regularity of these behaviours; (2) explore clinical and socio-demographic factors associated with these behaviours; and (3) investigate the acceptability of receiving support to optimise diet and physical activity as part ofin insomnia treatment. Australian adults with insomnia symptoms completed an online cross-sectional survey (n = 308; 85% female; 18-65 years). Diet and physical activity were assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), alongside the regularity of meal and activity patterns. Acceptability was measured using the Acceptability of Intervention Measure (AIM). Logistic regression explored associations with gender, age, insomnia severity, and education.
RESULTS: Most participants reported low Mediterranean diet adherence (72%), low or -moderate activity levels (66%), did not meet physical activity guidelines (69%), and had irregular meal (71%) and activity patterns (60%). Mediterranean diet adherence was lower in men, younger adults, and those with lower education; no factors were associated with physical activity. Support was acceptable to 57% (mean AIM = 3.8/5, SD = 0.8), with higher acceptability among women and those with severe insomnia symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS: Findings provide preliminary evidence of an unmet need for interventions to support lifestyle behaviour change among those with insomnia symptoms. While support is acceptable to many, targeted approaches may be needed for subgroups with lower adherence and acceptability.
PMID:42656990 | PMC:PMC13508487 | DOI:10.1080/21642850.2026.2721023
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