STRENGTH TRAINING, SLEEP AND MENTAL HEALTH IN YOUTH: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Introduction: Sleep and psychological problems are bidirectional, with studies reporting that people suffering from mental health disorders are also sleep-deprived. In this context, there is a window of knowledge investigating the relationship between strength training, sleep, and mental health, especially in young populations. Objective: To conduct a systematic review on the effects of strength training (ST) on sleep and mental health in young people. Methods: A systematic review of Level I studies was carried out through a systematic search in the databases PubMed, Bireme, Scielo, Web of Science, and Scopus. Studies examining the effects of strength training on sleep and mental health in youth, published through 2022, were included. Rayyan software was used for export, data analysis, and study selection. Trial quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines. Results: ST in young people can improve mental health without affecting sleep quality. Both studies responded positively to six of the eight JBI questions, thus being of good quality. Conclusions: ST performance, especially considering the intensity of training, with a minimum frequency of twice a week, reduces anxiety and depression in young people by improving sleep quality, requiring further studies (randomized clinical trials) that can clarify the possible effects of ST programs on sleep and mental health in this population.