Millions of Americans have problems sleeping. Poor sleep can increase your likelihood of developing diseases and it is not good for your mental health, and if you want to sleep better, it may be smart to exercise. Studies show that physical activity actually improves your sleep.
Any Exercise is Worthwhile
In a study, exercisers and non-exercisers were asked about their sleep. The exercisers were grouped in three categories: vigorous exercisers, moderate exercisers, and light exercisers. The results of the study concluded that people who exercised in all categories were more likely to report that they had a good night of sleep. Interestingly, the amount of time the non-exercisers and exercises sleep was about the same – just under seven hours.
People who engage in just 10 minutes a day of physical activity may be able to improve their sleep. If you do not exercise, you can start gradually and build to more intense workouts.
Vigorous Exercise Can Improve Your Sleep
The study also found that those who vigorously exercised reported the best sleep. Nearly every night, they were able to receive a good rest. These individuals were also less likely to report problems with their sleeping habits. This is remarkable compared to the results from people who do not exercise. The study showed that half of these individuals woke up each night. The study also reported that one in four non-exercisers struggled to fall asleep each night.
Lack of Exercise Can Cause Sleepiness and Increase Your Risk of Developing Sleep Apnea
Among the individuals who did not exercise, 24 percent said they were sleepy throughout the day. Being sleepy can jeopardize your safety and inhibit your performance. There is also a risk that the sleep problems could develop into sleep apnea, a more serious problem, and since being overweight or obese can also contribute to sleep apnea, exercise may help you maintain a healthy weight to avoid this problem.
Sleep is important for your overall health, as is physical activity. If your sleep is suffering, make sure you exercise so you can maintain a healthy life.