Objective:

To systematically evaluate the effects of exercise interventions on sleep quality in patients with depression and explore dose–response relationships of key intervention parameters.

Approach:

• Search Strategy: A comprehensive search was conducted in multiple databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
• Data Analysis: Standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model, with subgroup and sensitivity analyses performed.

Key Findings:

• Exercise interventions significantly improved sleep quality (SMD = -0.37, 95% CI: -0.48 to -0.27).
• Optimal exercise doses around 312.75 MET·min/week were associated with greater improvements (Hedges’ g = -0.51, 95% CI: -0.71 to -0.31).
• Mind-body exercises (SMD = -0.49, 95% CI: -0.63 to -0.35), durations of 9-12 weeks (SMD = -0.49, 95% CI: -0.74 to -0.24), fewer than two sessions per week (SMD = -0.47, 95% CI: -0.65 to -0.29), and sessions longer than 90 minutes (SMD = -0.42, 95% CI: -0.66 to -0.18) were linked to favorable changes.

Interpretation:

Exercise interventions may improve sleep quality in individuals with depression.

Limitations:

• The study highlights the need for larger multicenter RCTs with long-term follow-up to confirm the dose–response pattern and subgroup findings based on the results.

Conclusion:

These findings indicate the potential for exercise interventions to improve sleep quality in depressed patients.

Sources:

• Systematic Review Registration