Effects of a Short-term Exercise Intervention on Sleep in Women Exposed to Trauma: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Inclusion Criteria

• •self-reported exposure to a traumatic event
• •persistent (\> 1 month) PTSD-related symptoms adequate to screen positive for PTSD or self-reported history of a prior PTSD diagnosed by a health care professional.
• •poor sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index \>5)
• •failure to meet recommended level of aerobic or resistance training during leisure time. Physical activity for U.S. adults (\<150-mins of moderate or 75-mins of vigorous physical activity \[or a combination\] per week and/or \< 2 days a week of resistance training targeting the major muscle groups).
• •able to safely perform high-intensity exercise
• •aged 18-39 years
• •non-smoker
• •willing to avoid alcohol and vigorous physical activity 24 hours before visiting the lab
• •willing to avoid caffeine for 12 hours before visiting the lab