The interactive role of exercise and sleep on veteran recovery from symptoms of PTSD

• Sleep and exercise interacted to predict changes in PTSD hyperarousal symptoms.
• Exercise was associated with reduced hyperarousal among veterans with poor sleep.
• Those who cycled the most miles had the greatest reduction in hyperarousal.

IntroductionPosttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is prevalent among military veterans and is associated with a number of negative outcomes. Despite available treatments, rates of recovery are poor and many symptoms persist post-treatment. Previous research suggests that exercise functions to reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve sleep quality, though its effects are understudied among those with PTSD.MethodWe sought to assess the extent to which exercise and sleep interactively impact changes in PTSD severity. Participants were 217 veterans in residential PTSD treatment who were offered the opportunity to participate in a bike-exercise program. Data were collected at treatment intake and discharge.ResultsExercise (defined as total volume of cycling completed over the course of treatment) was associated with greater reductions in PTSD hyperarousal symptoms at discharge only among veterans with poor intake sleep quality.ConclusionsOverall, exercise may be a beneficial adjunctive treatment for reducing hyperarousal symptoms among individuals with PTSD and poor sleep.