Magisterprogram i träningens biomedicin – hälsa, idrott och prestation

The Impact of Endurance Exercise on Sleep Quality in Older Men: A Systematic Review

• Participant: Farid Ajorlou.

Sleep disorders are one of the prevalent health-related issues among older adults, significantly impacting their quality of life. Poor sleep quality can have adverse effects on individuals’ health and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, anxiety, stroke, cancer and mortality. Due to the side effects of sleep medications in older adults, exercise and physical activity have been highlighted as non-pharmacological strategies. This systematic review aims to investigate the effects of endurance training components on sleep quality in older men (≥60 years). Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and SID) were systematically searched for eligible studies published between 2010 and 2024. Studies were included if they examined the impact of endurance training on sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). A total of eight studies involving 300 older male participants were included. Risk of bias was assessed using appropriate tools based on study design. Six of the eight studies reported statistically significant improvements in sleep quality following endurance training. Interventions with moderate intensity, performed 3 times per week for 6 to 12 weeks, were most commonly associated with improvements. Additionally, training in structured environments such as elderly centers or gyms appeared beneficial. One study indicated that exercising more than eight hours before bedtime resulted in better sleep outcomes.