'I never thought exercise could help improve my sleep': experiences of people with rheumatoid arthritis on the impact of an 8-week walking-based exercise intervention in improving their sleep.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of people with RA of participating in an exercise intervention to improve their sleep.

Methods

Using a qualitative descriptive design, semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 12 people with RA who had completed an 8-week walking-based exercise intervention to improve their total sleep time, sleep quality and sleep disturbance. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Four themes were generated: positive impact of exercise on participants' sleep ('I really didn't think any type of exercise would help me sleep better, if I'm honest'); positive experiences of the exercise intervention ('I learnt so much regarding walking that I didn't even think about'); clear mental health

SUBMITTER: McKenna SG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10827360 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature