Qigong exercise improved quality of sleep and reduced interleukin-1 beta and interleukin-6 among persons with depressive symptoms and sleep disturbances: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Introduction: Growing evidence has shown that Qigong exercise improves sleep quality and alleviates depressive symptoms. However, the mechanisms underlying the effects of Qigong exercise remain unclear. Methods: A randomized waitlist-controlled trial was conducted to assess efficacy of Qigong exercise and investigate relationship between pro-inflammatory cytokines and self-reported symptoms among depressed persons with sleep disturbance. 173 participants were screened and recruited from the community. Intervention was eight 3-hour weekly sessions of Qigong training plus 30-minute self-practice at least 3 times per week. Self-reported questionnaires, including Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and perceived stress scale (PSS) and measurement of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 were assessed at baseline (T0), immediate post-intervention (T1) and 3-month post-intervention (T2). Results: Compared with waitlist control group, independent t-tests showed that Qigong exercise significantly improved sleep quality and reduced depressive symptoms and perceived stress as measured by PSQI (-1.7 vs -0.7, p =.014), CES-D and PSS and lowered IL-6 (-0.21 vs 0.70, P = <.001) and IL-1β (-0.08 vs 0.00, P = .002) at T1. Significant association was found between PSQI change score and reduction in IL-1β level at both T1 and T2 following Qigong exercise, but not with IL-6 level; while reduction in IL-6 was significantly associated with changes in CES-D and PSS scores. Conclusion: Qigong exercise alleviated sleep disturbance and depressive symptoms, and also reduced the levels of IL-1β and IL-6. Significant associations between reduction in IL-1β and sleep improvement were found following Qigong exercise. This study sheds light on possible underlying mechanism of regulating sleep by lowering the level of IL-1β. Further studies using polysomnography for recording NREM and REM sleep are warranted to confirm our preliminary findings. Support (If Any): The Centre on Behavioral Health Research Fund of the University of Hong Kong