A recent National Sleep Foundation poll, Sleep in America, shows that there is a link between exercise and improved sleep. In this study, which contained self-reported data, exercisers noted better sleep than non-exercisers, even though the length of sleep time was approximately the same (6 hours, 51 minutes on average). Differences between exercisers and non-exercisers was also quite different when asked about the quality of their sleep. More than three-fourths of exercisers reported good or fairly good sleep in the last two weeks, while only half of their non-exercising counterparts reported the same results. Good sleep likely does not compel us to exercise. But, exercise does lead to better sleep. Poor sleep makes us feel less motivated to workout the following day. Or, if we do workout, it’s often at a lower intensity than with a good night’s sleep. This can cause a vicious cycle of not exercising and not sleeping. Vigorous exercisers get the most benefit in the sleep department – they’re more likely to report a good night’s sleep and less likely to experience sleep issues (i.e., trouble falling or staying asleep). Sleepiness interferes with non-exercisers’ safety and quality of life. Nearly 15% of non-exercisers report difficulty staying awake while driving, eating, or interacting socially at least once a week in a two-week period. If you are prone to excessive sleepiness that is interfering with your life, make sure to visit your doctor, as this can be a symptom of a more serious health issue. What can you do to improve your sleep? According to the National Sleep Foundation, these tips can help: Exercise regularly! For more ways to make exercise part of your routine, read this blog article. Ensure your sleep area is quiet, dark, and cool. Practice relaxation as part of your bedtime ritual. Go to sleep and wake at the same time each day. Expose yourself to sunlight in the morning, but avoid it in the evening. Keep a worry journal next to the bed to release worries that come to mind during the night. Move into another room and try relaxing activities until you feel tired again if you can’t sleep. If you need help incorporating more exercise into your daily routine to experience better sleep, contact me. I’d love to help you realize all of the benefits of exercise! This photo courtesy of janandjan and licensed under Creative...
Read MoreThe Link between Exercise and Sleep
