0754 The Effect of Consistent Exercise on Sleep In Adolescents with Sleep Problems

Abstract

Introduction: The effects of exercise on sleep have been studied in adults, but research on this topic in children is limited. Small sample studies performed in "good sleepers" suggest positive effects of exercise on sleep in children. This study's aim was to determine if consistent, routine exercise improves sleep latency, sleep efficiency, total sleep time, and/or daytime sleepiness in adolescents with sleep complaints. Method(s): This prospective study recruited adolescents (ages 12-18 years) with history of delayed sleep onset, sleep maintenance problems and/or poor sleep quality. Baseline sleep was monitored for 2 weeks with actigraphy and a sleep diary. The subjects were then instructed to exercise (moderate to vigorous intensity) daily between 3-6PM for 4 weeks. Sleep was monitored during these 4 weeks with actigraphy and a sleep diary. A Pediatric Daytime Sleepiness Scale (PDSS) questionnaire was completed at baseline and after intervention (4 weeks of daily exercise) to assess sleepiness. Result(s): A total of 19 children with an average age of 14.1 years (range 12-17 years) were enrolled in and completed the study. Eleven were males (57.9%). After 4 weeks of routine exercise, there was no significant change in total sleep time, but the PDSS score decreased significantly from 19.42 to 15.58 (p 0.002), sleep latency decreased from 30.24 minutes to 10.15 minutes (p 0.001), and sleep efficiency increased significantly from 75.71% to 82.16% (p 0.001). Conclusion(s): Consistent exercise seems to improve sleep initiation, increase sleep efficiency and decrease daytime sleepiness in adolescents with sleep disturbance.