Exercise Your Way to Better Sleep
Do you have trouble falling asleep at night? Do you wake up in the middle of the night and find yourself unable to get back to sleep? You are not alone.
More than one-third of adults in the United States report either trouble falling asleep or daytime drowsiness.
Not only is insomnia frustrating but it can take a toll on your productivity during the day. While pharmacy shelves are full of products promising help, a regular exercise routine can help you fall asleep faster naturally and provide you with deeper and better sleep.
Insomnia can result from stress, anxiety, medical conditions, medications, stimulants and even age. While treatments range from behavioral therapy to relaxation techniques, one of the most common treatments is adoption of a regular exercise routine. Even 10 minutes of aerobic exercise a day—such as walking or cycling—can improve your quality of sleep.
What Research Has to Say About Sleep
Published in the journal Mental Health and Physical Activity, a 2011 study of more than 2600 adults found that people who get the nationally recommended 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per week report a 65% improvement in sleep quality and less sleepiness during the day. They also report fewer leg cramps while sleeping and less difficulty concentrating while tired. Exercise can also make people more productive at work and more attentive in school, according to the authors of the study.
Of course, exercise has a host of other benefits beyond better sleep, from burning calories to reducing your risk for heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes and other chronic diseases. Exercise is also known to boost energy levels and make people feel happier and more relaxed.
For a natural way to fight insomnia, call our office for an appointment. We can design an exercise routine that works with your schedule and any physical conditions you may have. With our help, you will feel better during the day and say goodbye to counting sheep at night.
Looking to take your exercise program to the next level? Check out our partners at Explosive Performance.
