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Effect of exercise on sleep quality and insomnia in middle-aged women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Meta-analysis of four RCTs (660 middle-aged women) finds programmed low-to-moderate exercise modestly lowers Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores versus control after 12–16 weeks, driven mainly by moderate aerobic programmes; pooled insomnia-severity changes were not statistically significant.

Design

  • 4 RCTs, n = 660 middle-aged women
  • Interventions: programmed exercise (PE) ≥ 8 weeks; sleep measured with PSQI and ISI

PSQI (sleep quality)

  • Overall PE: MD −1.34 (95% CI −2.67 to 0.00, p = 0.05) vs control
  • Moderate aerobic PE subgroup: MD −1.85 (95% CI −3.62 to −0.07, p = 0.04)
  • Low-intensity yoga subgroup: not significant (MD −0.46, p = 0.50)

ISI (insomnia severity)

  • MD −1.44 (95% CI −3.28 to 0.44, p = 0.13) → not statistically significant in pooled model

Publication

Rubio-Arias JÁ, Marín-Jiménez AE, Ramos-Campo DJ, et al. Maturitas. 2017 Jun;98:72-81. PMID 28539176.

Outcomes

  • Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Score
    -1.34
    points (Points)
  • Insomnia Severity Index pooled MD −1.44 vs control (95% CI −3.28 to 0.44; p=0.13)—not statistically significant across three RCTs reporting ISI.
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