Objective To evaluate the association between sedentary behavior (SB), moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and sleep duration. Methods Data from the 2017–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was analyzed. SB was assessed based on the average daily sitting time, while MVPA was estimated by the frequency and duration of leisure and work-related activities. The ratio of time spent in MVPA to time in SB was analyzed, and a threshold of ≥ 2.5 minutes of MVPA per sedentary hour was used to determine sufficiency for mitigating the effects of a sedentary lifestyle. Sleep duration was measured by the average hours slept on weekdays and weekends, classified according to National Sleep Foundation guidelines. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the sample, and multivariate logistic regression was applied to assess the associations between movement behaviors and sleep duration. Results The study included 5,533 participants, with 51.7% women, predominantly aged 26–64 years (61.8%). Insufficient physical activity was reported by 59.6% at work and 62.5% during leisure time. Sleep duration was considered recommended or acceptable in 84.4% of the sample. Adjusted multivariate analysis revealed that individuals engaging in ≥ 2.5 minutes of MVPA during leisure-time for each sedentary hour were 37.0% less likely to experience short sleep duration. Conversely, those who performed the same amount of MVPA at work were 32% more likely to have short sleep spells. Conclusion Meeting the MVPA threshold during leisure-time reduces the likelihood of short-term sleep, while higher MVPA levels at work increase the likelihood of short-term sleep.