Aerobic exercise improves sleep-related outcomes in children and adolescents
A meta-analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials found that aerobic exercise was associated with improved sleep-related outcomes in children and adolescents (SMD = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.40-1.43). However, considerable heterogeneity (I² = 91.5%) and a prediction interval crossing the null (-0.98 to 2.80) indicate uncertainty in the magnitude and consistency of the benefit.
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Aerobic exercise improves sleep-related outcomes in children and adolescents The current body of evidence comprises 1 study and 1 meta-analysis. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 63/100 (low).
The Claim
Aerobic exercise improves sleep-related outcomes in children and adolescents
This conclusion is most relevant to: Children and adolescents (ages not specified in abstract).
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Aerobic exercise and sleep-related outcomes in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. (Medicine, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Aerobic exercise may improve sleep through energy expenditure and thermoregulation
- ▸Exercise can reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms, which are associated with sleep problems
- ▸Regular exercise may help regulate circadian rhythms
- ▸Result: Improved sleep-related outcomes
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Children and adolescents (ages not specified in abstract)
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Considerable heterogeneity (I² = 91.5%) and wide prediction interval crossing the null
- ▸Heterogeneous outcome definitions and measurement modalities across studies
- ▸Several subgroups contained few studies, limiting subgroup analysis reliability
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the effect size of aerobic exercise on sleep in children and adolescents?▼
The pooled standardized mean difference was 0.91 (95% CI: 0.40-1.43), indicating a moderate-to-large improvement in sleep-related outcomes.
How many studies were included in this meta-analysis?▼
Fourteen randomized controlled trials were included.
Did the effect of aerobic exercise on sleep differ by intervention duration, measurement modality, or age group?▼
Subgroup estimates varied, but formal tests for subgroup differences were not statistically significant (P = .291, .868, and .873, respectively).
Are the results of this meta-analysis conclusive?▼
No, the findings should be interpreted cautiously due to considerable heterogeneity, a prediction interval crossing the null, and limited studies in some subgroups.
References
- 1.Ma QS, Chun BO, Zhang R. “Aerobic exercise and sleep-related outcomes in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials..” Medicine, 2026. PMID: 42566600 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000050049