Exercise and Sleep
Most studies regarding exercise and sleep have concerned the influence of exercise on sleep architecture and efficiency, not its effects in the prevention and treatment of sleep disorders.
A study of 319 men and 403 women was investigated the influence of moderate exercise or physical activity on self-reported sleep disorders among a randomly selected population of adults.
Analyses compared selected measures of sleep disorders with measures of exercise and physical activity.
The study showed that both men and women had significantly reduced risk of sleep disorders associated with regular activity at least once a week, participating regularly in an exercise program, and walking at a brisk pace for more than six blocks.
Among women, increases in age also reduced the risk of nightmares.
Sherrill DL, Kotchou K, Quan SF, et al. Association of physical activity and human sleep disorders.
Archives of Internal Medicine, Sept. 28, l998;158, pp1894-98.