EFEITO CRÔNICO DA PRÁTICA DE EXERCÍCIOS FÍSICOS NOS SINTOMAS DE ANSIEDADE E NA QUALIDADE DO SONO EM ESTUDANTES UNIVERSITÁRIOS: UM ESTUDO BIBLIOGRÁFICO

Introduction: Anxiety is a multifactorial condition that compromises the emotional and functional state of individuals, being characterized by mood swings, restlessness, fear, and significant impairments in sleep. In the university context, factors such as academic overload, performance pressure, insecurity about the future, and sleep deprivation contribute to the emergence of anxiety and decrease students' quality of life. Objective: To analyze the chronic effect of physical exercise on anxiety symptoms and sleep quality in university students. Method: This is an integrative literature review with a qualitative approach, conducted through the databases: Virtual Health Library (BVS), PubMed, and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), using isolated and/or combined descriptors related to anxiety, sleep, and physical activity in university students. Results: The data indicated that regular physical activity, especially moderate-intensity aerobic exercises, significantly reduces anxiety symptoms and improves sleep quality among university students. Considerations: Therefore, physical exercise is configured as an effective non-pharmacological strategy, bringing proven benefits to mental health, academic performance, and general well-being of the academic population.