Facts About Exercise and Sleep

When you exercise regularly can help you achieve a healthier, more restful sleep and has the potential to help you improve sleep issues such as insomnia. There are several ways exercise can not only boost your health but can also make sleeping more comfortable and more restful.

When you make time to exercise you can:

• Increase sleep duration. People who exercise can increase the amount of sleep they get. When you expend energy through a regular exercise routine, you will feel more tired and ready for rest toward the end of the day.
• Achieve more restful sleep. Participating in physical activity can help you spend more time in deep sleep, which can boost your immune system, control stress and anxiety, and help support cardiac health while also helping you achieve a night of more restful and sound sleep.
• Improve insomnia and other sleep disorders. Research indicates that regular exercise serves as a natural remedy for insomnia. It has been shown that the benefits of exercise for improving insomnia tend to kick in gradually rather than immediately and that aerobic exercise is effective in reducing sleeping disorder symptoms. Exercise may also be able to reduce the severity of sleep apnea and sleep-disordered breathing.

Finding the Right Amount of Exercise for You

When it comes to determining the right amount of exercise, there is no set amount or “right” answer; it’s about finding an exercise routine that works for you. To help give you a baseline to start the American Heart Association and National Institutes of Health recommend that healthy adults get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, five days a week.

It is recommended that you follow a regular exercise routine for the best impact on your sleep. It is also recommended that you avoid demanding late-night workouts if they interfere with you falling asleep. If you prefer some movement before bedtime, yoga or simple stretching before bed can help you unwind for a more restful night.

Fitness Classes in Washington for Better Sleep

At our Fitness Center in Washington, you can improve your health and your sleep with our wide range of group exercise classes. Washington residents and others in the surrounding areas can enjoy Pilates, aquatic classes, community yoga, and more, to help boost their health and improve their sleep habits. Contact the Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center today to learn more about our fitness classes!