Effects of a Short-term Exercise Intervention on Sleep in Women Exposed to Trauma: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Effects of a High-intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Exercise Intervention on Sleep in Women Exposed to Trauma: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aims to test whether sleep improvements, following 6 weeks of high-intensity interval training exercise among adult women exposed to a traumatic event, are mediated by improvements in heart rate variability or decreased anxiety and hyperarousal symptoms.

A total of 60 women with below-average sleep quality and physical activity levels who also screen positive for PTSD on the Post-traumatic Diagnostic Scale (PDS-5) will be randomized to either six weeks of exercise training or a waitlist control. Twenty minutes of high intensity interval training will be performed three times per week for six-weeks. Heart rate variability will be measured at rest, during, and following a cognitive task. Psychometric measures supported by strong validity evidence will assess self-reported anxiety and PTSD symptoms, and sleep quality.

Inclusion Criteria:

• self-reported exposure to a traumatic event
• persistent (> 1 month) PTSD-related symptoms adequate to screen positive for PTSD or self-reported history of a prior PTSD diagnosed by a health care professional.
• poor sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index >5)
• failure to meet recommended level of aerobic or resistance training during leisure time. Physical activity for U.S. adults (<150-mins of moderate or 75-mins of vigorous physical activity [or a combination] per week and/or < 2 days a week of resistance training targeting the major muscle groups).
• able to safely perform high-intensity exercise
• aged 18-39 years
• non-smoker
• willing to avoid alcohol and vigorous physical activity 24 hours before visiting the lab
• willing to avoid caffeine for 12 hours before visiting the lab

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant, lactating, or plans to become pregnant over the next 2 months.
• Individuals who started taking medication for anxiety or depression-related symptoms within the last month.
• Individuals currently taking beta-blockers or other medications/substances (marijuana and other illegal drugs) that impact heart rate.
• History of reproductive disorders (e.g., premenstrual dysphoric disorder or polycystic ovary syndrome), cardiovascular (e.g., cardiac arrhythmia), or pulmonary disorders (e.g., asthma).
• Pain intensity of 8 or greater in the thigh or foot in the past month
• Probable alcohol use disorder