The significance of sleep as a fundamental health behavior is underscored by its intricate link with circadian metabolic processes and its role in facilitating brain relaxation and assimilation of daily encounters [1]. A vital element, sleep is instrumental in promoting wellness among adolescents and young adults, with its implications extending across immediate and prolonged time frames [2]. Adequate sleep supports growth, learning, and cognitive development in adolescents, while sleep deprivation may result in adverse health outcomes such as daytime sleepiness, impaired cognition, low mood, and obesity [2]. In adolescents, inadequate sleep can lead to long-term sleep issues that may persist into adulthood. According to a study, adolescent sleep problems were found to predict adult sleep problems. Of those who experienced sleep issues at age 16, a third still had problems at age 23, and 10% at age 42 [3]. The Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines recommends that children aged 5 to 13 should aim to get between 9 and 11 h of uninterrupted sleep within a 24-h period to promote optimal health conditions [4,5]. For adolescents falling within the 14 to 17 age categories, a rest period spanning 8–10 h within the same time frame is deemed essential for maximal health and wellbeing [4,5]. However, a significant proportion of individuals in these age groups fall out of adhering to these sleep duration recommendations [6].

Sleep disturbance encompasses a broad spectrum of issues linked to inadequate sleep quality and is a term characterized by varied interpretations across different contexts [7]. This includes notable correlations between disrupted sleep patterns and mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression [8,9]. Furthermore, evidence supports a direct link connecting sleep issues with escalating degrees of suicidality among the adolescent demographic [10]. In a study conducted by Wang et al. [11], a consistent pattern of sleep complications emerged as a contributory factor elevating the propensity for overweight or obesity conditions. Moreover, sleep difficulties may lead to more severe sleep disorders, such as sleep maintenance issues, poor sleep efficiency, and reduced daytime alertness [7]. Identifying effective strategies to mitigate the incidence of sleep difficulties is crucial, as these issues have far-reaching consequences.

On the other hand, an array of health outcomes, ranging from coronary heart disease and diabetes to cancer and depression, along with all-cause mortality, exhibit an inverse correlation with physical activity (PA) [[12], [13], [14]]. The consensus in scientific literature posits an enhancement in sleep quality attributed to consistent engagement in PA, with empirical evidence supporting its positive influence regardless of the type or intensity [15,16]. Kredlow et al. in their comprehensive meta-analysis, unearthed a correlation where increased PA corresponded with improvements in total sleep duration, a reduction in sleep onset latency, and heightened sleep efficiency [17]. These insights were corroborated by another detailed review by Lang et al. on adolescent populations, elucidating that elevated levels of PA were instrumental in fostering both subjectively and objectively measured quality sleep [18]. The pertinence of PA as a potent tool for ameliorating sleep disturbances among adolescents stems from its accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and safety. Additionally, the multifaceted benefits of PA extend beyond sleep improvement, contributing to overall wellness and longevity [13], offering a comprehensive health solution comparatively superior to alternative treatments.

However, while numerous investigations have highlighted the associations between PA and sleep, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of both behaviors, a more detailed and exhaustive analysis remains paramount to decode the intricacies of this association. Distinct classifications of PA include light-intensity physical activity (LPA), moderate-intensity physical activity (MPA), and frequency of vigorous-intensity physical activity (VPA). Given the diverse health impacts attributed to these varied PA intensities, disparities in their influence on adolescent sleep patterns can be anticipated. Previous studies have suggested that frequency of VPA may have distinct health benefits compared to other intensities of PA, such as reducing the risk of hypertension and depression [19], improving cardiorespiratory health, and lowering the risk of chronic diseases [20]. In an extensive analysis evaluating the impact of varying intensities of PA on health outcomes, a notable correlation emerged for adolescents within the 6–18 age bracket. Frequency of VPA manifested a pronounced association with diminished body fat and central adiposity and an enhancement in cardiorespiratory fitness. These outcomes were more significant when juxtaposed with the effects attributed to frequency of MPA or combined MVPA [21]. Most previous studies on PA and sleep did not differentiate between the different intensities of physical activity. A few studies that did differentiate between intensity levels combined moderate and vigorous intensity studies together as MVPA [22]. However, there are no studies available that can determine the relationship between frequency of VPA and sleep problems. Clarifying the associations between frequency of VPA and sleep will help design interventions that target both behaviors to promote improved health outcomes in adolescents.

This study aims to address the specific research gap regarding the association between frequency of VPA and sleep difficulty in adolescents. Utilizing data from the Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) project, the investigation seeks to examine and establish a connection that has been suggested but not extensively explored in the existing literature. The research is motivated by the assumption that there may be a potential link between sleep difficulties and the engagement of adolescents in frequency of VPA, and it endeavors to provide understanding on the association.