Consistent Physical Activity Linked to Better Sleep and Reduced Insomnia

In a comprehensive study recently published in the BMJ Open journal, researchers have identified a positive association between physical activity over a ten-year span and improvements in sleep quality, including reduced symptoms of insomnia. The study, "Association between physical activity over a 10-year period and current insomnia symptoms, sleep duration and daytime sleepiness: a European population-based study" by Erla Bjornsdottir and colleagues, draws data from 21 centers across nine European countries and may be the key to combating sleep disorders which have been linked to various chronic health conditions.

The European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) III, which included 4,339 participants aged 39–67, served as the basis for the study. Individuals were classified as physically active based on their frequency and duration of exercise that left them out of breath or sweaty. Over the course of a decade, results showed that 37% of participants were persistently non-active, while 25% maintained an active lifestyle. Participants who remained active over the ten-year period experienced fewer difficulties initiating sleep, shorter sleep durations of less than six hours per night, and less frequent long sleep durations of nine hours or more. This was determined after adjusting for variables such as age, sex, body mass index, smoking history, and study center.

While daytime sleepiness did not indicate a relationship with physical activity status, the data nonetheless provided valuable insight into the role of consistent physical activity in promoting healthy sleep patterns. Researchers found that persistently active individuals were more likely to report a 'normal' sleep length of six to nine hours. These findings highlight the importance of long-term physical activity in managing symptoms of insomnia, which is critical since chronic sleep disturbances are associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease, metabolic dysfunction, psychiatric disorders, and even mortality.

One noteworthy finding was that geographical differences were observed between the ECRHS countries in terms of physical activity levels. For instance, participants in Norway were more likely to be persistently active, while those in Spain and Estonia were more likely to be persistently non-active.

Despite the robust approach of using standardized and validated instruments across multiple European countries, the study's authors acknowledge certain limitations. For example, the use of self-reported questionnaires to measure physical activity, insomnia symptoms, and daytime sleepiness may not provide as accurate a picture as objective measurements would. Furthermore, because sleep variables were available only at the follow-up, researchers could not determine the influence these may have had on baseline physical activity levels.

The findings of this study, nevertheless, offer a compelling case for encouraging consistent physical activity as a preventive measure for sleep-related issues and improving quality of life. As the world grapples with a rise in sleep disorders, this research provides a foundation for policymakers and health professionals to advocate for increased physical activity as part of public health measures.

Readers interested in the full study can access it via the BMJ Open and learn more about the link between regular exercise and better sleep outcomes. For a detailed understanding of the methodology and results of this pivotal research, visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2022-067197.

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