Physical Activity Stress and Sleep in Adolescents

Adolescence is characterized by major transitions in sleep and circadian rhythm. This rapid pivotal period increases the risks of sleep debt and poor sleep quality, leading to pronounced diurnal fatigue and drowsiness. On the other hand, academic stress has been also associated with increased sleep disturbances. Both academic stress and poor sleep in adolescents has been linked to increased sleepiness rate, reduced alertness, lower academic performances and the impairment of the control of energy balance through hyperphagia. Despite the importance of sleep in holistic development, physical (i.e. recovery, metabolism, muscle growth, weight control), cognitive (i.e. learning, memory, decision-making, Vigilance). Few studies have been designed to improve this behavior among college adolescents, especially in times of academic stress. Physical activity has been suggested as a non-pharmacological alternative treatment for sleep disorders . Generally, it is well established that the duration and quality of sleep were improved by regular physical activity among adolescents and far better, it was suggested that the exercise-mediated effect on sleep could be even observed in the short term. Moreover, it was suggested that aerobic exercise has positive effects on psychological stress and well-being of adolescents . Therefore, APADOSLEEP trial, was designed to examine the effect of physical activity program on sleep during and outside periods of academic stress.