OBJECTIVES: Insomnia affects at least one-third of the global population and is more common in women. Exercise has been reported to improve sleep quality and subsequent use of hypnotics. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to assess the effect of exercise on sleep quality in adult women. DESIGN: This meta-analysis systematically assessed the effects of exercise on women's sleep quality using a random-effects model. METHODS: We searched seven databases for randomised controlled trials examining the effect of exercise on sleep quality in women. Inclusion criteria were women aged 18 or older with insomnia symptoms, exercise used as an intervention, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index or Insomnia Severity Index as outcome measures. We excluded studies using other treatments, those involving cancer patients or pregnant women, and those with unclear, unanalysable data. A random-effects model was used for meta-analysis, with outcomes expressed as the weighted mean difference and 95% confidence interval. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane Handbook criteria. RESULTS: The meta-analysis included 16 studies. The results indicated that exercise significantly reduced the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index total score. Exercise implemented for < 12weeks was more effective in improving sleep quality and daytime dysfunction, whilst interventions >= 12weeks reduced the use of sleep medication. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise training can significantly improve sleep quality in adult women, as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Therefore, exercise can be crucial in promoting health, especially as a non-pharmacological treatment. When more studies will be available in the future, it will be possible to further explore the impact of age, type of exercise, and time of exercise.

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