Physical Activity and Sleep in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Can Exercise Improve Sleep Quality?

Dimitris Alepliotis, ESAI EN ROI Youth Worker; Youth Leader

    ESC30 Solidarity Project   SOCIAL INCLUSION WEEK the power of sports

      20/10/2025 to 19/10/2026    025-1-EL02-ESC30-SOL-000348134

Youth Group: Dimitris ALEPLIOTIS, Genovefa IOAKEIMIDOU, Panagiotis KELELIS, Zoi-Viktoria VATSI, Angelos ALEPLIOTIS

Sleep is one of the most important factors influencing children's physical, psychological, and cognitive development. For children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), however, sleep can often be a significant challenge.

Difficulties such as delayed sleep onset, frequent night awakenings, resistance to bedtime, and shorter sleep duration can affect daily functioning, mood, concentration, and participation in school activities.

Within this context, physical activity is emerging as a promising non-pharmacological approach that may contribute to better sleep quality.

The Relationship Between Autism and Sleep

Sleep difficulties are common among children and adolescents with ASD. These difficulties can affect not only nighttime rest but also functioning throughout the following day.

A child who does not get sufficient or good-quality sleep may experience increased fatigue, difficulties with concentration, reduced motivation to participate, and greater challenges with behavioural regulation.

Improving sleep should therefore not be viewed as an isolated goal. It is closely connected to quality of life, well-being, learning, and participation in everyday activities.

What Does Current Research Show?

A systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2024 examined the effects of physical activity interventions on sleep in children and adolescents with ASD.

The researchers searched seven major scientific databases. From 444 initially identified records, 13 studies met the criteria for inclusion in the systematic review, while 8 studies provided sufficient data to be included in the meta-analysis.

The findings were encouraging, showing significant positive effects of physical activity interventions on several aspects of sleep. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

Improving Sleep Duration and Quality

According to the findings of the meta-analysis, participation in physical activity programmes was associated with improvements in overall sleep quality.

Positive effects were identified in sleep duration and sleep efficiency, referring to the proportion of time spent in bed that is actually spent sleeping.

The study also reported reductions in difficulties such as night awakenings and resistance to going to sleep. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

These findings suggest that regular physical activity may have benefits that extend beyond physical fitness and may contribute to healthier sleep patterns.

Why Might Physical Activity Help Sleep?

Physical activity influences several physiological and psychological processes. Being physically active during the day may contribute to the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle and create favourable conditions for nighttime rest.

At the same time, structured physical activity provides children with opportunities to follow predictable routines and participate in organized experiences.

For many children with ASD, predictable and structured activities can be particularly helpful, as they can reduce uncertainty and support participation.

Physical activity can therefore become part of a broader daily routine that promotes a healthier and more active lifestyle.

The Importance of Daily Movement

Physical activity does not necessarily have to take the form of competitive or highly structured sport.

Walking, swimming, cycling, dancing, ball games, movement activities, and adapted sports can all provide valuable opportunities for children to be physically active.

The most important factors are that the activity is safe, enjoyable, appropriate for the child's abilities, and adapted to their individual needs and preferences.

When children enjoy an activity, they are more likely to participate consistently and develop positive attitudes towards movement.

From Physical Activity to School Participation

The relationship between physical activity and sleep is particularly relevant to the school environment.

A child who sleeps better may have greater opportunities to participate actively in educational and social activities during the day. Energy levels, concentration, mood, and motivation are all important factors for successful learning and social interaction.

Physical activity may therefore influence school life not only directly, through Physical Education lessons, but also indirectly by supporting the student's overall well-being.

This perspective highlights the importance of considering physical activity as part of a broader approach to supporting children with ASD.

Connecting Research with the ESOL Programme

The findings of this research are closely connected with the philosophy of the ESOL – Social Inclusion through Sport programme.

Within ESOL, physical activity is not viewed exclusively as a means of improving physical fitness. It is also a means of communication, social interaction, participation, well-being, and inclusion.

Inclusive sporting activities involving students from general and special education settings provide opportunities for movement, cooperation, communication, and shared experiences.

At the same time, encouraging children to become more physically active can contribute to a healthier daily routine and support their overall quality of life.

Inclusion Begins in Everyday Life

Inclusion does not happen only during major sporting events.

It is built through small, everyday opportunities for participation.

A movement game at school, a walk, a shared physical activity, or a cooperative team game can create meaningful experiences that promote participation and a sense of belonging.

When physical activity becomes part of everyday school life, it can contribute not only to physical health but also to a more active, social, and inclusive educational environment.

A Broader Perspective on Physical Activity

The relationship between physical activity and sleep reminds us that the benefits of exercise can extend far beyond the immediate activity itself.

For children with ASD, physical activity can potentially influence different aspects of daily life, including physical health, motor development, social participation, psychological well-being, and sleep.

This reinforces the importance of creating accessible opportunities for movement both within and beyond the school environment.

The role of educators is therefore not simply to encourage children to exercise, but to create environments in which physical activity becomes enjoyable, meaningful, accessible, and sustainable.

Conclusion

Current scientific evidence suggests that physical activity may represent a promising non-pharmacological intervention for improving sleep among children and adolescents with ASD.

The 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis identified positive effects on important sleep-related outcomes, including sleep duration, sleep efficiency, night awakenings, and resistance to falling asleep. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

These findings reinforce the idea that the benefits of physical activity can extend well beyond physical fitness.

For the ESOL programme, every opportunity for movement is an opportunity for participation.

And every opportunity for participation can become another step towards a school where every child has the opportunity to move, cooperate, participate, and belong.

Scientific Reference

Liang, X., Haegele, J. A., Tse, A. C.-Y., Li, M., Zhang, H., Zhao, S., & Li, S. X. (2024). The impact of the physical activity intervention on sleep in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 74, 101913. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2024.101913

Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Physical Activity, Sleep, Children and Adolescents, Exercise, Inclusion, Physical Education, Social Participation.