Effectiveness of Strength and Resistance Exercises on Sleep Quality

SOURCE www.telegraph.co.uk
Strength and resistance exercises, particularly lifting weights, have been found to be the most effective way to enhance sleep quality for older individuals with insomnia. This type of exercise significantly reduces sleepless nights and can also help with mental health disorders, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, heart disease, cognitive decline, and prostate cancer risk.

Key Points

  • Strength/resistance exercise improved the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) by 5.75 points
  • Aerobic exercise improved the PSQI by 3.76 points, while combination exercise improved it by 2.54 points

Pros

  • Strength and resistance exercises have been proven to reduce insomnia significantly
  • Exercise can help with mental health disorders, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, heart disease, cognitive decline, and prostate cancer risk

Cons

  • Combination exercises, including aerobic and weight training, were found to be less effective than strength/resistance exercises alone