Skip to main content Skip to main navigation menu Skip to site footer
  • Register
  • Login
  • Menu
  • Home
  • Current
  • Archives
  • Announcements
  • About
    • About the Journal
    • Submissions
    • Editorial Team
    • Privacy Statement
    • Contact
  • Register
  • Login

Quality in Sport

Is physical activity an effective remedy for insomnia? - a review
  • Home
  • /
  • Is physical activity an effective remedy for insomnia? - a review
  1. Home /
  2. Archives /
  3. Vol. 20 (2024) /
  4. Health Sciences

Is physical activity an effective remedy for insomnia? - a review

Authors

  • Agnieszka Kosińska District Hospital in Chrzanow, ul.Topolowa 16, 32-500 Chrzanow, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3041-274X
  • Piotr Niedbał District Hospital in Chrzanow, ul.Topolowa 16, 32-500 Chrzanow, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5613-4702
  • Dominika Poborowska Stefan Zeromski Specialist Hospital, ul. Osiedle Na Skarpie 66, 31-913, Krakow, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9139-2959
  • Weronika Kahan Independent Public Health Care Complex in Proszowice, ul.Mikolaja Kopernika 13, 32-100, Proszowice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-1901-220X
  • Weronika Szafrańska Independent Public Health Care Complex in Minsk Mazowiecki, Szpitalna 37, 05-300 Minsk Mazowiecki, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3068-9977
  • Katarzyna Polańska Stefan Zeromski Specialist Hospital, ul. Osiedle Na Skarpie 66, 31-913, Krakow, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4344-1177
  • Marta Wojaczek Stefan Zeromski Specialist Hospital, ul. Osiedle Na Skarpie 66, 31-913, Krakow, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7516-8151
  • Magdalena Kras Stefan Zeromski Specialist Hospital, ul. Osiedle Na Skarpie 66, 31-913, Krakow, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5627-9333
  • Katarzyna Lelek Municipal Hospital in Rabka Zdroj, ul. Sloneczna 3 34-700 Rabka-Zdroj, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8079-821X
  • Marcin Łata Hospital of the Order of Brothers Hospitallers of St. John of God in Katowice, ul Markiefki 87, 40-211 Katowice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-9725-2785

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2024.20.54131

Keywords

insomnia, physical activity, sleep disorders, quality of sleep, sport

Abstract

Introduction and purpose

This article explores the impact of physical activity on insomnia and sleep quality. It reviews existing research to clarify how exercise affects sleep patterns, identifies mechanisms through which exercise improves sleep, and evaluates practical recommendations for integrating physical activity into insomnia treatment. The goal is to offer valuable insights for individuals and healthcare professionals on using exercise as a non-pharmacological method to manage insomnia.

State of knowledge

The article reviews the literature on sleep, with a particular focus on the issue of insomnia. By understanding the causes of sleep disorders, it is possible to implement targeted diagnostics and subsequent treatment. The impact of physical activity on the overall problem of insomnia is also highlighted.

Material and Methods

A review of literature from 2004 to 2024 was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Keywords included "insomnia," "sleep disorder," and "sleep impairment." The review focused on English-language primary research articles from peer-reviewed journals.

Summary

The review highlights the role of physical activity in managing insomnia, emphasizing its positive effects. Evidence indicates that regular exercise significantly reduces the risk and severity of insomnia and improves sleep quality. This underscores the effectiveness of physical activity as a valuable non-pharmacological approach to enhancing sleep and overall well-being.

 

Keywords

Insomnia;  physical activity;  sleep disorders;  quality of sleep; sport

References

Taylor DJ, Lichstein KL, Durrence HH. Insomnia as a health risk factor. Behav Sleep Med. 2003;1(4):227-247. doi:10.1207/S15402010BSM0104_5

Fernandez-Mendoza J, Vgontzas AN. Insomnia and its impact on physical and mental health. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2013;15(12):418. doi:10.1007/s11920-013-0418-8

Riemann, D., Benz, F., Dressle, R. J., Espie, C. A., Johann, A. F., Blanken, T. F., ... & Van Someren, E. J. (2022). Insomnia disorder: State of the science and challenges for the future. Journal of sleep research, 31(4), e13604.

Rouf K, Bennett-Levy J, Butler G, et al., eds. 439References. In: Oxford Guide to Behavioural Experiments in Cognitive Therapy. Oxford University Press; 2004:0.

Rosekind MR. The epidemiology and occurrence of insomnia. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 1992 Jun;53 Suppl:4-6. PMID: 1613019.

Dopheide JA. Insomnia overview: epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and monitoring, and nonpharmacologic therapy. Am J Manag Care. 2020 Mar;26(4 Suppl):S76-S84. doi: 10.37765/ajmc.2020.42769. PMID: 32282177.

Chan NY, Chan JWY, Li SX, Wing YK. Non-pharmacological Approaches for Management of Insomnia. Neurotherapeutics. 2021 Jan;18(1):32-43. doi: 10.1007/s13311-021-01029-2. Epub 2021 Apr 5. PMID: 33821446; PMCID: PMC8116473.

Doghramji K. The epidemiology and diagnosis of insomnia. The American Journal of Managed Care. 2006 May;12(8 Suppl):S214-20. PMID: 16686591.

Roth T, Roehrs T. Insomnia: Epidemiology, characteristics, and consequences. Clinical Cornerstone. 2003;5(3):5-15. doi:10.1016/S1098-3597(03)90031-7

Rosekind MR. The epidemiology and occurrence of insomnia. J Clin Psychiatry. 1992;53 Suppl:4-6.

Van Someren EJW. Brain mechanisms of insomnia: new perspectives on causes and consequences. Physiol Rev. 2021 Jul 1;101(3):995-1046. doi: 10.1152/physrev.00046.2019. Epub 2020 Aug 13. PMID: 32790576.

Riemann D, Spiegelhalder K, Feige B, Voderholzer U, Berger M, Perlis M, Nissen C. The hyperarousal model of insomnia: a review of the concept and its evidence. Sleep Med Rev. 2010 Feb;14(1):19-31. doi: 10.1016/j.smrv.2009.04.002. Epub 2009 May 28. PMID: 19481481.

​Chakravarty K, Ray S, Shukla G. Unmet need for a holistic approach to insomnia diagnosis – a review of current tools in practice. Sleep Epidemiology. 2023;3:100055. doi:10.1016/j.sleepe.2022.100055

Humer E, Pieh C, Brandmayr G. Metabolomics in Sleep, Insomnia and Sleep Apnea. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Sep 30;21(19):7244. doi: 10.3390/ijms21197244. PMID: 33008070; PMCID: PMC7583860.

Grima, N. A., Bei, B., & Mansfield, D. (2019). Insomnia theory and assessment. Australian Journal of General Practice, 48(4), 193–197. https://search.informit.org/doi/10.3316/informit.275941376179270

Wichniak A, Bieńkowski P, Dąbrowski R, Mastalerz-Migas A, Rymaszewska J. Treatment of insomnia in older adults. Recommendations of the Polish Sleep Research Society, Polish Society of Family Medicine and the Polish Psychiatric Association. Leczenie bezsenności osób w starszym wieku. Zalecenia Polskiego Towarzystwa Badań nad Snem, Polskiego Towarzystwa Medycyny Rodzinnej i Polskiego Towarzystwa Psychiatrycznego. Psychiatr Pol. 2023;57(3):495-516. doi:10.12740/PP/OnlineFirst/161597

Naha S, Sivaraman M, Sahota P. Insomnia: A Current Review. Mo Med. 2024 Jan-Feb;121(1):44-51. PMID: 38404423; PMCID: PMC10887463.

Clarke K, Orlov N, Soong C. Treatment of chronic insomnia in adults. Can Fam Physician. 2024 Mar;70(3):176-178. doi: 10.46747/cfp.7003176. PMID: 38499369; PMCID: PMC11280632.

Riemann D, Krone LB, Wulff K, Nissen C. Sleep, insomnia, and depression. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2020 Jan;45(1):74-89. doi: 10.1038/s41386-019-0411-y. Epub 2019 May 9. PMID: 31071719; PMCID: PMC6879516.

Mirchandaney R, Barete R, Asarnow LD. Moderators of Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Insomnia on Depression and Anxiety Outcomes. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2022 Feb;24(2):121-128. doi: 10.1007/s11920-022-01326-3. Epub 2022 Jan 21. PMID: 35061137; PMCID: PMC8948126.

Kishi T, Nishida M, Koebis M, Taninaga T, Muramoto K, Kubota N, Moline M, Sakuma K, Okuya M, Nomura I, Iwata N. Evidence-based insomnia treatment strategy using novel orexin antagonists: A review. Neuropsychopharmacol Rep. 2021 Dec;41(4):450-458. doi: 10.1002/npr2.12205. Epub 2021 Sep 23. PMID: 34553844; PMCID: PMC8698673.

Brownlow JA, Miller KE, Gehrman PR. Insomnia and Cognitive Performance. Sleep Med Clin. 2020;15(1):71-76. doi:10.1016/j.jsmc.2019.10.002

Passarella S, Duong MT. Diagnosis and treatment of insomnia. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2008;65(10):927-934. doi:10.2146/ajhp060640

Staner L. Comorbidity of insomnia and depression. Sleep Med Rev. 2010;14(1):35-46. doi:10.1016/j.smrv.2009.09.003

Gebara MA, Siripong N, DiNapoli EA, et al. Effect of insomnia treatments on depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Depress Anxiety. 2018;35(8):717-731. doi:10.1002/da.22776

Oh CM, Kim HY, Na HK, Cho KH, Chu MK. The Effect of Anxiety and Depression on Sleep Quality of Individuals With High Risk for Insomnia: A Population-Based Study. Front Neurol. 2019;10:849. Published 2019 Aug 13. doi:10.3389/fneur.2019.00849

Javaheri S, Redline S. Insomnia and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease. Chest. 2017;152(2):435-444. doi:10.1016/j.chest.2017.01.026

Hsieh CG, Martin JL. Short Sleep, Insomnia, and Cardiovascular Disease. Current Sleep Medicine Reports. 2019;5(4):234-242. doi:10.1007/s40675-019-00157-8

Zhang Y, Lin Y, Zhang J, et al. Association between insomnia and type 2 diabetes mellitus in Han Chinese individuals in Shandong Province, China. Sleep Breath. 2019;23(1):349-354. doi:10.1007/s11325-018-1687-6

Zhang Y, Lin Y, Zhang J, et al. Association between insomnia and type 2 diabetes mellitus in Han Chinese individuals in Shandong Province, China. Sleep Breath. 2019;23(1):349-354. doi:10.1007/s11325-018-1687-6

Han Y, Song Z, Li W, Ke P, Wu X. Analysis of the correlation between immune cell characteristics and insomnia: a Mendelian randomization study. J Neurophysiol. 2024;131(2):176-186. doi:10.1152/jn.00429.2023

Sadeghmousavi S, Eskian M, Rahmani F, Rezaei N. The effect of insomnia on development of Alzheimer’s disease. J Neuroinflammation. 2020;17(1):289. doi:10.1186/s12974-020-01960-9

Martínez MP, Miró E, Sánchez AI, et al. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia and sleep hygiene in fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial. J Behav Med. 2014;37(4):683-697. doi:10.1007/s10865-013-9520-y

Luyster FS, Strollo PJ Jr, Holguin F, et al. Association Between Insomnia and Asthma Burden in the Severe Asthma Research Program (SARP) III. Chest. 2016;150(6):1242-1250. doi:10.1016/j.chest.2016.09.020

Kannel WB, Sorlie P. Some health benefits of physical activity. The Framingham Study. Arch Intern Med. 1979;139(8):857-861.

Reiner M, Niermann C, Jekauc D, Woll A. Long-term health benefits of physical activity--a systematic review of longitudinal studies. BMC Public Health. 2013;13:813. Published 2013 Sep 8. doi:10.1186/1471-2458-13-813

Warburton DE, Nicol CW, Bredin SS. Health benefits of physical activity: the evidence. CMAJ. 2006;174(6):801-809. doi:10.1503/cmaj.051351

Inoue S, Yorifuji T, Sugiyama M, Ohta T, Ishikawa-Takata K, Doi H. Does habitual physical activity prevent insomnia? A cross-sectional and longitudinal study of elderly Japanese. J Aging Phys Act. 2013;21(2):119-139. doi:10.1123/japa.21.2.119

Hartescu I, Morgan K, Stevinson CD. Increased physical activity improves sleep and mood outcomes in inactive people with insomnia: a randomized controlled trial. J Sleep Res. 2015;24(5):526-534. doi:10.1111/jsr.12297

Passos GS, Poyares DLR, Santana MG, Tufik S, De Mello MT. Is exercise an alternative treatment for chronic insomnia? Clinics. 2012;67(6):653-659. doi:10.6061/clinics/2012(06)17

Passos GS, Poyares D, Santana MG, et al. Exercise improves immune function, antidepressive response, and sleep quality in patients with chronic primary insomnia. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:498961. doi:10.1155/2014/498961

Hartescu I, Morgan K. Regular physical activity and insomnia: An international perspective. J Sleep Res. 2019;28(2):e12745. doi:10.1111/jsr.12745

Dąbrowska-Galas M, Ptaszkowski K, Dąbrowska J. Physical Activity Level, Insomnia and Related Impact in Medical Students in Poland. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(6):3081. Published 2021 Mar 17. doi:10.3390/ijerph18063081

Chen LJ, Steptoe A, Chen YH, Ku PW, Lin CH. Physical activity, smoking, and the incidence of clinically diagnosed insomnia. Sleep Med. 2017;30:189-194. doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2016.06.040

Chasens ER, Yang K. Insomnia and physical activity in adults with prediabetes. Clin Nurs Res. 2012;21(3):294-308. doi:10.1177/1054773811411295

Kräuchi K, Cajochen C, Werth E, Wirz-Justice A. Warm feet promote the rapid onset of sleep. Nature. 1999;401(6748):36-37. doi:10.1038/43366

Youngstedt SD. Effects of exercise on sleep. Clin Sports Med. 2005;24(2):355-xi. doi:10.1016/j.csm.2004.12.003

Anand S, Johansen KL, Grimes B, et al. Physical activity and self-reported symptoms of insomnia, restless legs syndrome, and depression: the comprehensive dialysis study. Hemodial Int. 2013;17(1):50-58. doi:10.1111/j.1542-4758.2012.00726.x

Downloads

  • PDF

Published

2024-08-24

How to Cite

1.
KOSIŃSKA, Agnieszka, NIEDBAŁ, Piotr, POBOROWSKA, Dominika, KAHAN, Weronika, SZAFRAŃSKA, Weronika, POLAŃSKA, Katarzyna, WOJACZEK, Marta, KRAS, Magdalena, LELEK, Katarzyna and ŁATA, Marcin. Is physical activity an effective remedy for insomnia? - a review. Quality in Sport. Online. 24 August 2024. Vol. 20, p. 54131. [Accessed 28 June 2025]. DOI 10.12775/QS.2024.20.54131.
  • ISO 690
  • ACM
  • ACS
  • APA
  • ABNT
  • Chicago
  • Harvard
  • IEEE
  • MLA
  • Turabian
  • Vancouver
Download Citation
  • Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS)
  • BibTeX

Issue

Vol. 20 (2024)

Section

Health Sciences

License

Copyright (c) 2024 Agnieszka Kosińska, Piotr Niedbał, Dominika Poborowska, Weronika Kahan, Weronika Szafrańska, Katarzyna Polańska, Marta Wojaczek, Magdalena Kras, Katarzyna Lelek, Marcin Łata

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Stats

Number of views and downloads: 223
Number of citations: 0

Search

Search

Browse

  • Browse Author Index
  • Issue archive

User

User

Current Issue

  • Atom logo
  • RSS2 logo
  • RSS1 logo

Information

  • For Readers
  • For Authors
  • For Librarians

Newsletter

Subscribe Unsubscribe

Tags

Search using one of provided tags:

insomnia, physical activity, sleep disorders, quality of sleep, sport
Up

Akademicka Platforma Czasopism

Najlepsze czasopisma naukowe i akademickie w jednym miejscu

apcz.umk.pl

Partners

  • Akademia Ignatianum w Krakowie
  • Akademickie Towarzystwo Andragogiczne
  • Fundacja Copernicus na rzecz Rozwoju Badań Naukowych
  • Instytut Historii im. Tadeusza Manteuffla Polskiej Akademii Nauk
  • Instytut Kultur Śródziemnomorskich i Orientalnych PAN
  • Instytut Tomistyczny
  • Karmelitański Instytut Duchowości w Krakowie
  • Ministerstwo Kultury i Dziedzictwa Narodowego
  • Państwowa Akademia Nauk Stosowanych w Krośnie
  • Państwowa Akademia Nauk Stosowanych we Włocławku
  • Państwowa Wyższa Szkoła Zawodowa im. Stanisława Pigonia w Krośnie
  • Polska Fundacja Przemysłu Kosmicznego
  • Polskie Towarzystwo Ekonomiczne
  • Polskie Towarzystwo Ludoznawcze
  • Towarzystwo Miłośników Torunia
  • Towarzystwo Naukowe w Toruniu
  • Uniwersytet im. Adama Mickiewicza w Poznaniu
  • Uniwersytet Komisji Edukacji Narodowej w Krakowie
  • Uniwersytet Mikołaja Kopernika
  • Uniwersytet w Białymstoku
  • Uniwersytet Warszawski
  • Wojewódzka Biblioteka Publiczna - Książnica Kopernikańska
  • Wyższe Seminarium Duchowne w Pelplinie / Wydawnictwo Diecezjalne „Bernardinum" w Pelplinie

© 2021- Nicolaus Copernicus University Accessibility statement Shop