ABSTRACT
Background: Poor sleep has been linked to reduced cognitive function, weakened health, and a lower general quality of life. Similar to other forms of exercise, aerobic dance performed within a target heart rate of between 60% and 70% of the maximal heart rate (MHR) will demonstrate cardiovascular and metabolic benefits such as increased maximal oxygen consumption, improved aerobic endurance capacity, increased energy production, and decreased total body fat. All of which have been linked to better sleep quality. Aims: The research works aims to assess the effect of aerobic dance exercise on the sleep quality of undergraduate students at the University of Benin, Benin City. Method: Using convenience sampling, a total of 68 students were recruited and put into an intervention group (n = 34) and a control group (n = 34). The intervention group participated in a six-week aerobic dance exercise program, while the control group maintained their usual routines. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and physiological parameters, including blood pressure (BP), respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), and body mass index (BMI), were measured pre- and post-intervention. The data was collected using a well validated questionnaire utilizing the convenience sampling technique. The data gotten was analyzed using SPSS 21. Results: Physiological parameters for the intervention group showed significant post-intervention improvements, including reductions in RR (p =<0.001), HR (p = <0.001), and BMI (p = 0.033). Conversely, no significant changes were recorded in the control group’s sleep quality or physiological parameters. Conclusion: Aerobic dance exercise is an effective intervention for improving sleep quality and physiological health among undergraduate students. Future research should explore long-term effects and the underlying mechanisms of exercise-induced sleep improvements. Keywords: Aerobic Dance, Exercise, Sleep Quality
