Objective The aim of the present study was to assess the sleep patterns of the adult population of the city of Campinas (Brazil) according to socioeconomic and demographic variables and to chronic diseases and symptoms.

Methods A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Campinas Health Survey (ISACAMP-2008-09) carried out in 2008 and 2009. A total of 2637 individuals aged 18 years or more, obtained from a probabilistic sample, were analysed. Associations between sleep pattern and the independent variables were determined using the χ² test. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to adjust for confounders.

Results The prevalence of six or fewer hours of sleep was greater among individuals aged 40 years or older and among divorced. The prevalence of sleeping nine or more hours was higher among those with <40 years of age, divorced or single, with the lower level of schooling, who did not work and among housewives. The prevalence of short and long sleep duration was greater among individuals with heart disease, vascular problems, rheumatism/arthritis/arthrosis, osteoporosis or emotional problems. The prevalence of short sleep duration was greater among individuals with back problems and those with three or more health conditions. There was a strong relation between sleep duration and sleep quality.

Conclusions Socio-demographic factors and the presence of health diseases were associated to sleep duration and this question should be considered in the health promotion concerns.