Lifting weights helps older people tackle insomnia, research suggests

Experts found that resistance or muscle-strengthening exercises – such as lifting dumbbells or using gym equipment – helped cut sleeplessness.

Taking aerobic exercise (such as brisk walking, cycling or swimming), or a mix of exercises (such as aerobic classes, weight training and Pilates) also helped tackle insomnia, though it was less effective.

The study, published in the journal Family Medicine And Community Health, told how “sleep quality declines with age”.

It said: “Older people have more significant insomnia than younger people.

“Between 30% and 48% of seniors complain of sleepiness while 12–20% have insomnia problems.

“Strong evidence links sleeplessness to depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders.

“Several studies have linked sleeplessness to metabolic syndrome, hypertension and heart disease. Cognitive decline and prostate cancer risk are related to insomnia.”

The researchers said previous studies have found that exercise helps insomnia but it has not been clear which type might be most beneficial.

To answer this question, they looked at 24 clinical trials involving 2,045 people who were aged 60 and over.

The types of exercise covered by the studies included: aerobic, such as cycling, dancing, swimming, brisk walking, and hiking; resistance, such as lifting weights, arm curls, wall push-ups, and resistance machines or equipment; balance, such as sideways walking, heel-to-toe walking, one-leg standing; flexibility, such as gymnastics, yoga, dance and Pilates; and combination exercise which included several types.

Across all the studies, more than half included exercise that was mild to moderate, or moderate intensity, with the average length of a session just over 50 minutes, and frequency around two to three times a week. On average, the exercise programmes lasted 14 weeks.

The results showed that, using a standard scale of sleep and sleep quality, strength/resistance exercise was the most effective at cutting insomnia.

The scale used was the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), which is a simple questionnaire used to assess sleep.

Using this, detailed analysis showed that strength/resistance exercise improved the GPSQI by 5.75 points.

Aerobic exercise improved the GPQSI by 3.76 points while combination exercise improved it by 2.54.

The researchers, from the Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine in Bangkok, concluded: “Exercise that strengthens muscles, rather than aerobic or combination exercises, is the most effective way to enhance sleep quality.”

Huw Edwards, chief executive of ukactive, the UK’s trade body for the physical activity sector, said: “Physical activity has a huge role to play in our physical and mental health, with benefits such as better sleep, reduced stress and anxiety, and improved productivity, social connection and wellbeing.

“This study shows the essential role resistance training can play in tackling insomnia for older age groups, and we know that exercise not only supports quality sleep but that a good night’s sleep can help us feel better and be more productive the following day.

“Our own research also shows that one of the main motivations people have for exercising is to help them sleep better (66%), so it is essential that everyone, no matter their age, background or ability, feels supported to be physically active in their daily lives.

“We want to make the UK the most active nation in Europe, which would bring savings of up to £1bn a year in healthcare spending linked to physical inactivity, and an additional £3.6bn in GDP through increased productivity.”

Published: 05/03/2025 by Radio NewsHub