Advantages of low impact physical exercise for attention in sleep disorders in noninstitutionalized adults over 60 years of age

Abstract

The older adult loses their ability to achieve continuous and consolidated rest over the years.  Non-pharmacological intervention of sleep disorders have shown benefits for the production of changes in sleep habits; within this approach, stimulus control, sleep restriction and relaxation techniques are highlighted, which reduce limitations such as economic cost, time, lack of professionals for pharmacological preparation and also reduce the polypharmacy rates characteristic of the elderly. 

In order to obtain evidence on the advantages that low-impact exercise generates in the non-institutionalized older adult with sleep disorders, a narrative review of the scientific articles found in Pubmed, El Sevier and Google Scholar, published in English and Spanish was conducted from 2010 to 2016.  Using the descriptors physical exercise, older adults, institutionalization and sleep disorders, articles with existing evidence were selected, about the advantages of low impact physical exercise on sleep disorders in adults aged 60 years and over.  

The evidence found shows that low-impact exercises like walking, cycling, swimming, hydrogymnastics, climbing and descending stairs, dancing, yoga and low impact aerobic gymnastics are effective in increasing the ability to perform activities of daily living and to decrease drug use.    

Conclusions: The effects of low-impact physical exercise go beyond the well-known cardiovascular benefit, due to other hand positive responses in the quality of sleep and decrease of sleep disorders present in the elderly.