Effects of physical activity on sleep problems in breast cancer survivors: a meta-analysis.

Purpose: To investigate the possible role of physical activity (PA) on sleep disturbance in breast cancer patients.
Methods: Literature in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was systematically searched until January 30, 2020. Randomized controlled trials that focused on the role of PA interventions on sleep disturbance were selected. The main outcome measures included the global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score and PSQI subscales. Subgroup analysis was performed based on the study area and intervention time. The stability and authenticity of the results were measured by sensitivity analysis and publication bias analysis, respectively.
Results: Six articles were included in this meta-analysis. There were no significant differences in global PSQI scores between the PA intervention group and the usual care group (P = 0.057). As for PSQI subscales, PA intervention could improve sleep quality (weighted mean difference = 0.22; 95% confidence interval 0.04-0.40; P = 0.018). There were no significant differences in sleep duration, sleep medication, sleep latency, habitual sleep efficiency, and daytime dysfunction between the two groups (all P > 0.05).
Conclusion: PA serves as an effective intervention to improve sleep quality.