Improvements in Chronic Primary Insomnia after Exercise Training Are Correlated with Changes in Metabolic and Hormonal Profile

Alexandre Abilio De Souza Teixeira,Giselle Soares Passos,Dalva Poyares,Eduardo Da Silva Alves,Francieli Silva Ruiz,Marco Túlio De Mello,Sergio Tufik,Marcos Gonçalves De Santana

doi:10.1155/2014/246342

Abstract

Objective. The objective of this study was to correlate metabolic and hormonal parameters before and after 8, 16, and 24 weeks (wk) of moderate aerobic training in individuals with chronic primary insomnia. Method. Four male and sixteen female volunteers (adults, sedentary, and healthy) performed exercise training for 24 weeks. Blood and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was obtained at baseline, 8, 16, and 24 wk of training. Results. PSQI scores decreased after 8, 16, and 24 wk of training regarding baseline values. Indeed, total sleep time (TST) increased after 16 and 24 wk of exercise training regarding baseline values. The correlations were analyzed using the delta (Δ) values (Δ1=8 wk less baseline; Δ2=16 wk less baseline; Δ3=24 wk less baseline). We have observed a negative correlation for Δ1 between TST and cortisol, a positive correlation for Δ3 between TST and growth hormone, a negative correlation for Δ1 between TST and VLDL, a negative correlation for Δ1 between TST and triacylglycerols, and a negative correlation for Δ1 and Δ2 between TST and thyroid-stimulating hormone. Conclusion. The exercise training improved the sleep quality of patients with chronic primary insomnia.

Highlights

IntroductionSleep disorders are increasing every day around the world
In modern society, sleep disorders are increasing every day around the world
The total sleep time (TST) increased after 16 wk (P < 0.05) and 24 wk (P < 0.01) of exercise training when compared with the baseline values

Summary

Introduction

Sleep disorders are increasing every day around the world. In Sao Paulo, Brazil, a study observed that 33% of the society presented insomnia characteristics, and a higher incidence of insomnia was detected in women (40%) [2]. Budhiraja et al 2011 [7] have shown that medical disorders such as hypertension and diabetes are associated with a higher prevalence of insomnia. The prevalence of insomnia increased as the number of medical disorders increased, suggesting an additive adverse effect of these medical conditions on insomnia [7]. Other studies have concluded that few hours of sleep are associated with overweight, obesity, metabolic alterations (insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and increased activity of the HPA axis), and inflammatory diseases [8,9,10,11]

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Results

Conclusion