Volume 29, Issue 5, 2020


DOI: 10.24205/03276716.2020.1099

Physical Exercise, Sleep Quality and Non-suicidal Self-Injury in Adolescents: A Meta-Analysis Review


Abstract
Background: The relationship between non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and sleep quality, as well as physical exercise, has been a subject of many studies. The present study explored the link between sleep quality, physical exercise, and NSSI. Methods: A computerized systematic search was conducted through the databases, Web of Science (WOS), PsycINFO, Springer, and Medline, for studies authored between January 2010 and April 2020. The studies explored are those that reported an association between the quality of sleep and NSSI, physical inactivity and NSSI, and physical activity and quality of sleep. The odds ratio (OR) was used to measure outcomes, together with the corresponding confidence interval (95%). The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated, as well as the quality of evidence. Results: 17 studies met the inclusion criteria. Generally, poor sleep quality was closely related to NSSI behavior. Insomnia and nightmares were highly correlated with the NSSI risk. Most studies focused on sleep quality, but research was sparse concerning physical exercise. Methodological issues identified included longitudinal designs paucity and failure to justify sample sizes. Conclusion: The present study corroborates the finding that physical inactivity and poor sleep quality increases the risk of NSSI among young adults and adolescents.

Keywords
Meta-analysis, sleep quality, non-suicidal self-injury, Physical Exercise

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