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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.

Last updated: Aug 12, 2026•0 RCTs•1 Meta-analyses•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score63/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis★★★☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Aerobic exercise and sleep-related outcomes in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

observational

Ma QS, Chun BO, Zhang R · Medicine (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: N/A
Intervention: Aerobic exercise interventions (various durations and modalities)
Outcome: Sleep-related outcomes (e.g., sleep quality, sleep duration, sleep efficiency)
Effect Size: SMD = 0.91 (95% CI: 0.40-1.43)
Population: Children and adolescents (ages not specified in abstract)

Result:

PubMed: 42566600DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000050049

Mechanism Graph

Aerobic exercise may improve sleep through energy expenditure and thermoregulation
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Exercise can reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms, which are associated with sleep problems
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Regular exercise may help regulate circadian rhythms
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Result: Improved sleep-related outcomes

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

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References

  1. 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
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.