Effects of Exercise on Sleep in Older Adults: An Overview of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses

Author: Felipe Fank1, Franciele da Silva Pereira1, Leandro Dos Santos2, Marco Túlio de Mello3, Giovana Zarpellon Mazo1
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup> Gerontology Laboratory, Department of Physical Education, Health and Sport Sciences Center, State University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC,Brazil. <sup>2</sup> Metabolism, Nutrition and Exercise Laboratory, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR,Brazil. <sup>3</sup> Center of Psychobiology and Exercise Studies, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG,Brazil.
Conference/Journal: J Aging Phys Act
Date published: 2022 Apr 6
Other: Special Notes: doi: 10.1123/japa.2021-0444. , Word Count: 154


We aimed to systematically analyze reviews of randomized clinical trials that investigate the overall effect of exercise and of different types of exercise on sleep in older adults. Meta-analysis was performed to obtain the standardized mean difference of the effect of the different types of exercise. Twenty systematic reviews published between 2012 and 2020 met the inclusion criteria of this overview. Moderate significant effects of exercise were observed on overall sleep quality and its subjective components (quality, duration, latency, habitual efficiency, medication use, and daytime dysfunction). Among the types of exercise, sensitivity analysis revealed significant effects of Pilates, Tai Chi, and Baduanjin Qigong on sleep quality. Exercise has a positive effect on sleep quality in older people. Our findings are extremely important, especially for decision makers in the health area, permitting the planning of actions and evidence-based decision making. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020222469.

Keywords: aged; clinical trial overviews; physical exercise; sleep quality.

PMID: 35385825 DOI: 10.1123/japa.2021-0444