subject: Sleeping problems and exercise – How exercise can help you sleep [print this page] Sleeping problems and exercise How exercise can help you sleep
For those suffering with sleeping problems the answer could be as simple as exercise. Regular exercise improves sleep patterns and ensures you get more of the deep sleep that will leave you energized when you wake up.
Exercise has many health benefits and these translate to better quality sleep. Exercise reduces stress, which in many cases is a significant factor for people with sleeping problems.
Exercise stimulates the happy hormones in your body and when you are happy and relaxed sleep is improved.
When you exercise your body experiences physical stress, your muscles experience tension and your heart and lungs are worked. All of this leads to your body compensating by sending you into a deeper level of sleep. When you sleep deeply like this your body and mind recover and you wake up shaper and with more energy.
Sedentary people generally have more sleeping problems than those that are active because their sedentary lifestyle in habits the rise and fall of body temperature. When you exercise and your body temperature rises and then comes down it puts you to sleep. Those that don't experience this rise and fall are more likely to suffer from sleeping problems like insomnia.
So if you want to improve your sleep try;
Exercising 20-30mins a day 3 times a week
Daily exercise even at a low intensity is still very good for your sleeping patterns
Exercise in the morning or afternoon not too close to bed time
There is more information about Sleep Disorders and Insomnia available on the Sleep and Insomnia Guide
