Effects of exercise on sleep among young women with Generalized Anxiety Disorder

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Purpose of the review The purpose of this review is to critically assess the evidence for exercise as an adjunct intervention for major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder, chronic conditions characterized by frequent comorbid conditions as well as interepisodic symptoms with poor quality of life and impaired functioning. Individuals with these mood disorders are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death in part because of increased rates of obesity, inactivity, and diabetes mellitus compared to the general population. Exercise may not only mitigate the increased risk of cardiovascular disease, but could also potentially improve the long term outcomes of mood disorders. Recent findings We conducted a literature review on the impact of exercise on mood disorders and associated comorbid conditions as well as possible biological mechanisms. We found that exercise impacts both the physical health parameters of mood disorders as well as mental health outcomes. Exercise also positively impacts conditions frequently comorbid with mood disorders (i.e. anxiety, pain, and insomnia). There are multiple candidate biomarkers for exercise, with brain-derived neurotrophic factor and oxidative stress as two main promising components of exercise’s anti-depressant effect. Summary Exercise appears to be a promising adjunct treatment for mood disorders. We conclude with recommendations for future research of exercise as an adjunct intervention for mood disorders.

In recent years, many studies have demonstrated the importance of movement for the human body, from the improvement of cardiovascular effi cacy to the enhancement of muscular functions, metabolic balance, and organ systems. Th e brain is no exception and benefi ts greatly from movement, both structurally and functionally. Memory, creativity, and intelligence, are only a few of the many things that are regulated by the brain. Th e literature demonstrates the benefi ts of physical activity on numerous factors that infl uence brain functions. Th e present short review aims to clarify how physical activity aff ects the human brain. We have identifi ed the infl uence of movement on the brain, through investigation of this infl uence according to the close relation of physical activity with cognitive processes and brain development. Th ese fi ndings off er an insight into several conclusions regarding the infl uence of movement on the brain, which is soundly based on relevant literature.