The effects of physical activity on cortisol and sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

De Nys L, Anderson K, Ofosu EF, Ryde GC, Connelly J, Whittaker AC

Psychoneuroendocrinology · September 1, 2022

Managing stress and having good quality sleep are inter-related factors essential for health, and both seem to be affected by physical activity. Although there is an established bidirectional relationship between stress and sleep, remarkably few studies examine the effects of physical activity on cortisol and sleep together. Ten original studies with low-to-moderate risk of bias were included. Findings indicated with moderate- and low-certainty evidence, respectively, that physical activity was an effective strategy for lowering cortisol levels and improving sleep quality. Caution is needed generalizing these findings, as included trials were predominantly in participants with breast cancer, with few males and no older adults included. Cortisol regulation and sleep quality are intertwined, and physical activity programmes could improve both.

PMID: 35777076 · DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105843