PHYSICAL-FITNESS, EXERCISE, AND HUMAN SLEEP

Restorative theories of SWS predict a positive relationship between SWS and daytime exercise. However the relevant data appear contradictory. It was hypothesized that the discrepancy in the literature was due to the varying physical fitness levels of subjects used in these studies. The hypothesis was tested, using human subjects, by varying amount of exercise and level of fitness in a 2x2 design. Two effects were observed, both supporting the hypothesis. First, fit subjects had higher levels of SWS than unfit subjects. Second, following exercise, the level of SWS increased in fit, but remained unchanged in unfit subjects. Copyright © 1978, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved