Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Public Health and Surveillance
Date Submitted: May 7, 2026
Date Accepted: Sep 17, 2026
Prevalence of Rest Intolerance and Its Associations with Mental Health and Quality of Life in Chinese Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
ABSTRACT
Background:
Background:
Rest intolerance, the experience of negative emotions when attempting to rest, is an emerging public health concern, yet its population-based epidemiology remains poorly understood.
Objective:
Objective:
This study systematically investigated the prevalence, distribution, and health correlates of rest intolerance among Chinese adults, with particular focus on its manifestation in highly educated and younger populations.
Methods:
Methods:
We analyzed cross-sectional data from 24,405 adults in the 2024 PBICR survey. Rest intolerance (RIS-8), mental health (PHQ-9, GAD-7, PSS-4), and quality of life (EQ-5D-5L/ EQ-VAS) were assessed. Cut-off values were derived via cluster analysis and latent profile analyses, followed by regression and moderation analyses.
Results:
Results:
The overall prevalence of high rest intolerance was 14.89%. Notably, rates were significantly elevated among younger adults and those with higher educational levels. Rest intolerance was significantly associated with adverse mental health outcomes (anxiety: β=0.406, depression: β=0.402, perceived stress: β=0.440, all p<0.001) and reduced quality of life (EQ-5D: β=-0.115, EQ-VAS: β=-0.117, both p<0.001). Moderation analyses further revealed that these negative associations were stronger for highly educated and younger individuals.
Conclusions:
Conclusions:
Rest intolerance affects approximately one in seven Chinese adults, with highly educated and younger populations constituting particularly high-risk groups. The condition demonstrates robust associations with adverse mental health outcomes and diminished quality of life, especially among these vulnerable populations. These findings underscore the need for targeted psychological interventions and workplace health policies addressing rest-related distress in contemporary performance-oriented societies.
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