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Int J Sports Med 2005; 26(5): 327-331
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-821039
Physiology & Biochemistry

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Effects of Light Physical Exercise on Sleep in Middle-Aged Rats

C. Gambelunghe1 , G. Mariucci2 , R. Rossi1 , M. Sommavilla1 , M. Tantucci2 , M. V. Ambrosini1
  • 1Laboratorio delle Attività Motorie e Sportive, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
  • 2Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted after revision: March 5, 2004

Publication Date:
10 September 2004 (online)

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Abstract

The effects of physical activity on sleep were evaluated in 12-month-old rats. The animals (n = 18) were induced to walk or run for 45 min in a rota-rod treadmill while control mates remained in their home cages. Immediately after the trial, they were left free to sleep for four hours, during which their electroencephalographic activity was recorded. Baseline electroencephalogram showed no differences among groups in sleep parameters and spike wave discharges during wakefulness in all rats. Sleep variables and spike wave discharges remained constant in the controls over times. On the contrary, Student's t-test for paired data indicated a decrease in spike wave discharges in both walking and running rats while paradoxical sleep rose parallel with slow wave sleep in walking animals but declined in running rats, in spite of an increment in slow wave sleep. The results seem to indicate that: i) light exercise improves sleep quality in middle aged rats, provided it is not stressful and ii) physical activity supplies important benefits to waking brain by reducing spike wave discharges.

Key words

Physical activity - sleep quality - spike wave discharges

References

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M. V. Ambrosini

Deparmentt of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, Division of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Perugia

Via del Giochetto

06122 Perugia

Italy

Phone: + 390755853479

Fax: + 39 07 55 85 34 78

Email: neurbisp@unipg.it

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