Effects of physical exercise on sleep quality in patients with psychiatric disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Background: As an evidence-based complementary modality, physical exercise showed significant potential in mitigating sleep disturbances across various populations.
Objective: The objective of this study was to determine how physical exercise interventions influence the sleep quality among clinical populations diagnosed with psychiatric disorders.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted across four electronic databases, MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) available from inception to March 1, 2026. Studies were included if they focused on exercise interventions in patients with psychiatric disorders, using sleep quality as the outcome. Assessment of risk of bias for the enrolled RCTs was conducted using the revised Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2. Data synthesis employed random-effects models to estimate Hedges' g, with subsequent subgroup analyses conducted according to the FITT (Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Type) framework.
Results: A total of 21 RCTs (24 comparisons) with 1628 participants were analyzed and results indicated a moderate overall effect size, indicating that physical exercise contributes to a significant improvement in sleep quality (g = -0.57, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: -0.75, -0.38, P 0.05).
Conclusion: Overall, physical exercise serves as a potent complementary treatment option for enhancing sleep quality among individuals with mental health conditions. Following the exploration…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 1,628 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Evaluating the Evidence Base of Melatonin, Light Exposure, Exercise, and Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Patients with Insomnia Disorder
- Use of Melatonin and/on Ramelteon for the Treatment of Insomnia in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Influence of evening light exposure on polysomnographically assessed night-time sleep: A systematic review with meta-analysis
- Use of melatonin in children and adolescents with idiopathic chronic insomnia: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and clinical recommendation
- Significant potential of melatonin therapy in Parkinson’s disease – a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
- Meta-Analysis: Melatonin for the Treatment of Primary Sleep Disorders
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.