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Symposia

Adult- Health Psychology / Behavioral Medicine

Moving to Rest: Exploring Exercise as a Pathway to Better Sleep in Psychiatric Populations

2 - (SYM 65) Behavioral Activation to Increase Physical Activity in Persons with Depression: Intervention Effects on Sleep Outcomes

Sunday, November 23, 2025
12:22 PM - 12:39 PM CST
Location: Bolden 5, Level 2
Keywords: Exercise, Sleep, Transdiagnostic
Recommended Readings: Szuhany, K. L., Sullivan, A. J., Gills, J. L., & Kredlow, M. A. (2024). The impact of exercise interventions on sleep in adult populations with depression, anxiety, or posttraumatic stress: review of the current evidence and future directions. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 1-18.,   Lederman, O., Ward, P. B., Firth, J., Maloney, C., Carney, R., Vancampfort, D., ... & Rosenbaum, S. (2019). Does exercise improve sleep quality in individuals with mental illness? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of psychiatric research, 109, 96-106.,   Brupbacher, G., Gerger, H., Zander-Schellenberg, T., Straus, D., Porschke, H., Gerber, M., ... & Schmidt-Trucksäss, A. (2021). The effects of exercise on sleep in unipolar depression: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 59, 101452.,   ,  
Abstract Body



Introduction: Improvements in depressive symptoms and physical activity have both been shown to improve sleep among persons with depression. Physical activity has proven effective in reducing depressive symptoms; however, real-world delivery of physical activity interventions for persons with depression is limited. Barriers to real-world delivery include a perceived lack of clinician training in physical activity prescription and limited options for physical activity support within clinical settings. We have developed a manualized behavioral activation (BA) intervention, adapted from a previous manualized BA intervention for depression, that includes specific recommendations and support for physical activity. Previous trials have evaluated combined BA and physical activity interventions but have often observed poor adherence, likely the result of the need for frequent in-person intervention sessions. In contrast, our trial implemented the BA intervention through teletherapy.

 



Methods: We conducted a single-arm pilot trial in which 50 participants received a BA intervention that was specifically designed to increase physical activity among persons with depression. The intervention consisted of eight weekly BA sessions, followed by two bi-weekly booster sessions. Sleep outcomes were derived from responses on the Inventory of Depressive Symptoms- Self Report with Items 1-3 summed to reflect insomnia and Item 4 reflecting hypersomnia. Changes in insomnia and hypersomnia were calculated and assessed for statistical significance.

 



Results: 50 participants were enrolled in the trial. Preliminary results of this trial indicate a significant improvement in insomnia symptoms. The mean baseline score for insomnia were 4.40 (SD=1.7) and mean reduction of 0.98 was observed across participants (p = 0.004). Hypersomnia also improved (baseline mean = 0.60, change = 0.15); however, this change was not statistically significant (p = 0.128).

 



Discussion: Results from the pilot trial indicate potential efficacy of improving sleep with the BA intervention targeting physical activity. The symposium session will provide further insight into the relationships between improvement in depressive symptoms and physical activity with improvements in sleep.