Exercise and Sleep in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract

Insomnia and other sleep complaints are highly prevalent in community-dwelling older adults yet often go under detected. Age-related physiological changes may affect sleep, but sleep disturbances and complaints should not be considered normal in this population. Various physiological, psychological, and social consequences have been associated with insomnia and sleep complaints. Treatment options are available so it is imperative to diagnose and treat these individuals to promote healthy aging. Exercise is known to have a wide variety of health benefits, but unfortunately most older adults engage in less exercise with advancing age. This paper describes age-related changes in sleep, clinical correlates of insomnia, consequences of untreated insomnia, and nonpharmacological treatments for insomnia in older adults, with a focus on the relationship between exercise and sleep in community-dwelling older adults with insomnia or sleep complaints. Possible mechanisms explaining the relationship between exercise and sleep are discussed. While the research to date shows promising evidence for exercise as a safe and effective treatment for insomnia and sleep complaints in community-dwelling older adults, future research is needed before exercise can be a first-line treatment for insomnia and sleep complaints in this population.

Do physical activity and body mass index modify the association between chronic musculoskeletal pain and insomnia? Longitudinal data from the HUNT study, Norway

“…The sleep‐promoting effect of physical activity is not understood fully, but physical activity can improve psychological health and wellbeing (Park, ; Teychenne et al ., ) which, in turn, may reduce the risk of insomnia (Smagula et al ., ). Regular physical activity is also associated with a more favourable sleep architecture and is therefore recommended as a pertinent non‐pharmacological supplement to manage various sleep disorders (Chennaoui et al ., ; Varrasse et al ., ). It should be noted that ‘being physically active’ in the analyses of joint effects was defined as any light and/or hard activity, ranging from less than 1 h per week to 3 h or more per week.…”

“…Regular physical activity is also associated with a more favourable sleep architecture and is therefore recommended as a pertinent non-pharmacological supplement to manage various sleep disorders (Chennaoui et al, 2015;Varrasse et al, 2015). It should be noted that 'being physically active' in the analyses of joint effects was defined as any light and/or hard activity, ranging from less than 1 h per week to 3 h or more per week.…”

Sleep Among Long-Term Care Residents in China: A Narrative Review of Literature

“…Other therapies include exercise, light therapy, and environmental modifications, as found in this review. In community-dwelling older adults, there is evidence to suggest that exercise may be an effective way to improve sleep (Varrasse, Li, & Gooneratne, 2015). A combination of approaches may be best to improve sleep in LTC residents.…”

Comparison of the Effects of Morning and Evening Walks on Nighttime Sleep Quality Among Elderly People: A Randomized, Crossover, Clinical Trial

“…Another study also attributed the hypnotic effects of melatonin to the core body temperature. Some scholars also noted that chronic insomnia may be associated with low blood levels of serotonin (35).…”