Comparative efficacy of exercise modalities on sleep quality in populations with sleep disorders: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

Abstract

The effect of various exercise modalities on people with sleep disorders remains unclear. This network meta-analysis aims to explore the effects of various exercise modalities in improving sleep quality in people with sleep disorders. Four electronic databases were searched from inception to April 8, 2023. We conducted pairwise meta-analyses and frequentist network meta-analyses with random effects models. A total of 17 randomized controlled trials enrolled 1090 participants were included. Compared with passive control, with moderate-to-low certainty of evidence, mind-body exercise combined with treatment as usual [standard mean difference (SMD) = -2.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) (-3.29, -1,24)], moderate aerobic exercise combined with light strength exercise [SMD = -1.26, 95% CI (-2.22, -0.31)], mind-body exercise [SMD = -0.81, 95% CI (-1.37, -0.25)] and moderate aerobic exercise [SMD = -0.75, 95% CI (-1.38, -0.13)] were more effect in improving sleep disorders. Various exercise modalities have favorable effects on sleep quality for people with sleep disorders compared with passive control. However, due to the low quality of evidence, well-designed trials should be conducted to elucidate these promising findings in the future.

Keywords: Exercise; Network meta-analysis; Sleep disorders; Sleep quality; Systematic review.