Recent work from Brazil highlights how resistance training can boost sleep quality and lessen inflammation in older adults dealing with sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass. The study, published in a peer‑reviewed journal, adds to the growing evidence that regular strength workouts may support healthier aging by targeting both physical and sleep-related dimensions of well‑being.
In this investigation, 14 volunteers around 75 years old diagnosed with sarcopenia engaged in weight‑bearing exercises three times weekly over a three‑month period. The training emphasized major muscle groups including the chest, back, shoulders, arms, and legs. Participants received guidance and monitoring from a multidisciplinary team that included physical education specialists, physiotherapists, nutritionists, and physicians, ensuring a comprehensive approach to safe exercise and nutrition planning.
Across the program, those who completed the resistance training showed gains in muscle strength across tested measures. Additionally, inflammatory markers in the blood declined, and sleep improved as reflected in both subjective reports and objective assessments from polysomnography. These findings suggest that structured resistance training can positively influence inflammatory status and sleep quality in older adults facing sarcopenia.
Sarcopenia affects a substantial portion of the aging population, impacting roughly 15% of adults over 60 and nearly half of those over 80. The loss of skeletal muscle with age can impair mobility and the ability to perform routine activities, contributing to reduced independence and increased vulnerability to injury. Beyond physical symptoms, sarcopenia is linked to cognitive decline and heightened risks of adverse health outcomes.
Experts note that chronic inflammation and sleep disturbances can reinforce each other, potentially accelerating muscle loss. Earlier work by the same research team has indicated a connection between sleep deprivation and muscle wasting in animal models, underscoring the potential of physical activity to counteract these processes. The current results reinforce the view that weight training may play a significant role in preventing or mitigating sarcopenia, particularly when combined with appropriate dietary and medical oversight.