Exercise as a favorable non-pharmacologic treatment to Sleep-Related Movement Disorders: a review

Abstract

Non-pharmacologic treatments of Sleep-Related Movement Disorders (SRMD) are already well described in the literature. The physical activity has been presented as a factor to improve quality of life and in several aspects related to sleep disorders. Thus, the purpose of this review was to analyze the benefits of physical exercise and your indication to improve to SRMD. In the research, 19 studies were found that evaluate the efficacy of physical exercise on SRMD in both human and animal models. The results demonstrate that both acute and chronic physical exercises are effective in reducing symptoms of SRMD. However, most studies were performed with aerobic exercise. Three studies evaluated the efficacy of combined exercise, and no studies have investigated the relationship of resistance exercise. Regarding the mechanisms involved, a study discusses the relationship between the release of beta-endorphin and the exercise practice, and two studies with animal models show the changes of the dopaminergic system after physical exercise. From this evidences, we suggested that physical exercise is a favorable non-pharmacological treatment for SRMD. However, more studies should be available for a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved, as well of the type, duration and better time of the day to practice.

Physical activity and the prevalence of primary headaches among a large population of university students: The MEPHASOUS study

“…Physical activity increases the secretion of beta-endorphin, as an endogenous opioid, which is produced by the anterior pituitary and endorphins in the nervous system [36][37][38]. Beta-endorphin leads to analgesia by binding to pre-and post-synaptic opioid receptors [39].…”

Accelerometer-measured physical activity and its impact on sleep quality in patients suffering from restless legs syndrome

“…Although these processes may prevent the occurrence of PLMS, the mechanisms involved are not yet fully understood. The study by Franco et al [24] also reports that increased levels of dopamine, following physical activity, have a similar effect on the body as dopaminergic agonists, medications that are commonly used in the pharmacological treatment of PLMS.…”

“…On the other hand, in another randomized trial, Harrison et al [23] found no significant effects on RLS symptoms of a so-called tension and trauma release exercise program, conducted once a week over a period of six weeks (n = 9 participants in each group). The work of Franco et al [24] suggests that physical exercise is a favorable non-pharmacological treatment for sleep-related movements disorders including RLS; regarding the potential mechanisms involved, the authors presume that exercise causes the release of beta-endorphins, which interact with opioid receptors in the brain, and dopamine, which leads to neurochemical balance in the brain. Although these processes may prevent the occurrence of PLMS, the mechanisms involved are not yet fully understood.…”

“…Acute effects of exercise on sleep quality, occurring after acute exercise, include the following: fatigue of the central nervous system, elevated body temperatures, heart rate changes, and heart rate variability changes [25]. Among individuals suffering from sleep-related movement disorders, the following effects were indicated after exercise: an increase of non-REM-sleep and shorter periods of REMsleep, improvements in total sleep time, sleep efficiency, and number of sleep awakenings, and a decrease in PLMS symptoms [24]. Still, the question remains whether individuals with idiopathic RLS also experience improvements in sleep quality and night-time PLMS symptoms, following physical activity during the proceeding day.…”

Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity and Its Impact on Sleep Quality in Persons Suffering From Restless Legs Syndrome

“…On the other hand, in another randomized trial Harrison et al (19) did not nd a signi cant effect of a program of so-called tension and trauma release exercises once a week over a period of six weeks (n = 9 participants in each group). Franco et al (20) suggested that physical exercise is a favorable non-pharmacological treatment for sleep-related movements disorders including RLS. Therefore, the question arises whether individuals with idiopathic RLS also bene t from daily physical activity with regard to their sleep quality during the following night.…”