Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

Background: The evidence showed increased sleep problems and reduced sleep quality in women. This study aimed to investigate the effect of rhythmic aerobic exercises on sleep quality in sedentary young women.

Methods: 24 sedentary healthy young women were randomly assigned in two exercise training (n=12) and control (n=12) groups. Participants sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The training protocol includes sessions between 50 to 60 minutes at 60 to 80 percent of maximum heart rate, three sessions per week for eight weeks. The data was processed by using SPSS version 22 and Independent and dependent t-test.

Results: findings showed a significant increase in sleep quality and Sleep efficiency in training group (P=0.000, P=0.000; respectively). Also, Sleep latency, Sleep disturbances and Day time dysfunction decreased significantly in training group (P=0.032, P=0.007, P=0.006; respectively). Eight weeks rhythmic aerobic exercises led to significant increase in sleep quality and Sleep efficiency and significant decrease in Sleep disturbances and Day time dysfunction in training group as compared to control group (P=0.000, P=0.000; P=0.001, P=0.029; respectively).

Conclusions: according to the results of present study, Regular participation in rhythmic aerobic exercises, led to improve sleep quality and reduce sleep disturbances in sedentary young women. Hence, it is suggested rhythmic aerobic exercises as an effective strategy to improve sleep quality in sedentary young women to be used.