PHYSICAL THERAPY-BASED SLEEP REHABILITATION FOR INSOMNIA AND CIRCADIAN RHYTHM RESTORATION IN SHIFT WORKERS
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Abstract
The academic article entitled “Sleep Rehabilitation Through Physical Therapy for Insomnia and Circadian Rhythm Realignment in Shift Workers” aims to synthesize current knowledge regarding the effects of shift work on insomnia and circadian rhythm disruption, as well as to examine the role of physical therapy interventions in improving sleep quality and restoring the sleep–wake cycle among shift workers.
This study employed a narrative review methodology. Relevant literature published between 2020 and 2026 was systematically searched in the TCI, ThaiJO, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PEDro, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library databases. Articles were selected based on their relevance to the study objectives and subsequently analyzed and synthesized using a qualitative content analysis approach. A total of 11 publications were included in the review, comprising 10 research articles and 1 book chapter.
The findings indicate that various physical therapy interventions—including aerobic exercise, combined exercise programs, yoga, Tai Chi, stretching exercises, manual therapy, and specialized physical therapy programs—can effectively improve sleep quality, reduce stress and anxiety, enhance parasympathetic nervous system activity, alleviate hyperarousal, and facilitate circadian rhythm realignment. These benefits appear to be particularly pronounced when exercise or therapeutic interventions are appropriately timed in accordance with the body’s biological clock.
In conclusion, physical therapy represents a safe, cost-effective, and practical non-pharmacological approach for improving sleep quality and restoring circadian rhythm in shift workers. The synthesized evidence from this review provides valuable guidance for developing evidence-based health promotion strategies and clinical interventions aimed at enhancing well-being, quality of life, and occupational performance while reducing the long-term health risks associated with insomnia in this population.
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