Exercise Reduces Depression and Sleep Issues in Older Smokers

A recent study from Texas A&M University’s School of Public Health highlights the benefits of regular physical activity for smokers over the age of 40. The research suggests that engaging in sufficient weekly exercise can help reduce the risk of depression and sleep disturbances to levels comparable to those seen in non-smokers.

The study found that smokers generally experience higher rates of moderate to severe depressive symptoms and sleep disorders compared to non-smokers. Notably, smokers aged 40 to 59 who did not meet established physical activity guidelines were particularly prone to these issues. Meanwhile, older smokers, aged 60 and above, exhibited a higher prevalence of sleep disorders.

However, the findings emphasize that physical activity can serve as a protective factor. Smokers who adhered to the recommended levels of moderate to vigorous exercise—about 300 minutes of moderate activity or 150 minutes of vigorous activity weekly—showed risks similar to non-smokers. These guidelines align with recommendations for healthy adults.

The research analyzed data from 3,008 U.S. adults collected between 2017 and 2020 through the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a comprehensive survey conducted annually by the CDC. The study explored how physical activity influences sleep and mood across different smoking statuses.

"Physical and psychological pathways are interconnected," explained Taehyun Roh, an epidemiology and biostatistics expert involved in the research. "Smoking causes neurochemical changes that can worsen depression, which further impacts sleep quality. Conversely, physical activity can improve mental health and sleep quality."

The study reaffirms the importance of regular exercise alongside smoking cessation efforts. Smoking remains a leading cause of preventable death worldwide, linked to diseases such as lung cancer and obstructive pulmonary diseases, with approximately one in five adults in the U.S. being smokers. Additionally, sleep disorders and depression affect a significant portion of adults, contributing to poorer health outcomes.

Interestingly, even among younger adults aged 20-39, meeting physical activity guidelines did not eliminate the higher likelihood of sleep problems associated with smoking, underscoring that exercise alone may not fully offset all health risks of smoking.

In conclusion, adopting an active lifestyle is crucial for improving overall health, especially for those who smoke. While quitting smoking is paramount, regular physical activity provides vital benefits in managing depression and sleep issues, enhancing quality of life.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-lowers-depression-problems-older-smokers.html