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Did You Know That Physical Activity Helps Sleep?

June 04, 2009: 11 comment(s)

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A lot of individuals know that exercise provides numerous health benefits to the individuals that exercise on a regular basis, but a lot of do not know that exercise can help them sleep better. Regular exercise has been proven to help individuals fall asleep quicker and remain asleep longer in a lot of studies by researchers across the nation. Daily exercise can also correct periods of sleeplessness linked to increased stress or anxiety in the person's life.

Experts recommend individuals do light to moderate exercise lasting for at least 30 minutes three or four times a week to receive the benefits of the exercise linked to sleeping better. It is important that the exercise is done in the morning or the early afternoon so that the adrenaline rush from the exercise does not interfere with the person falling asleep in the evening. Aerobic exercises are generally the best for a lot of individuals because the movements are low impact and the pace of the exercise can be changed to be comfortable to the person doing the exercises.

Physical activity can also increase the amount of time that the person spends in deep sleep, also called stage four sleep. Spending more time in the deepest stages of sleep helps the person wake up feeling refreshed and well rested.

Increased amounts of stage four sleep throughout the night helps the body feel healthier because it's able to repair itself from the damage that happens throughout the day. Just as exercise makes the body feel stronger with continued use, deep sleep makes the body feel more comfortable and flexible when the person awakes.

Getting the right amount of exercise is important to the health of individuals of all ages, from small children to seniors. Additionally strengthening the muscles and toning the body, regular exercise can reduce risk of many health conditions, some of which can cause insomnia and other sleep disorders. Individuals that exercise regularly are hospitalized less often and require less medical attention than individuals that do not exercise each week.

There are a lot of other benefits of regular exercise as well. Regular exercise can increase brain function, pump more oxygen through the body in the blood, and can increase the person's reaction time. Regular exercise also strengthens the heart and lungs of the person reducing the risk of many serious health conditions, like heart disease and pulmonary edema.

You do not need to enroll in a gym to get the exercise you need to help you sleep. As I said earlier a quick paced walk in the evening for 30 minutes is enough to help you sleep and shouldn't put a strain on your body. If you are somewhat physicall fit I have found martial arts to be a good way of getting proper exercise, clearing my mind and allowing me to sleep like a baby most nights - Jiujitsu is a wonderful sleep tonic believe me. Aside from that swimming and aerobics are also excellent full body exercise. All of these will get you in the mood for some well earned sleep!

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Comments (Scroll to the end to leave a comment)

NATRAL1

03/09/11 06:47

This shld be set up so the article disappears after I read it! JS

sbrugman

06/01/11 11:40

The article says experts recommend light to moderate exercise in the morning or early afternoon. So my answer should have been correct.

jroberts

06/06/11 07:47

1. I agree with sbrugman. I think the "false" answer is the correct answer based on the article.

2. "Regular exercise can increase brain function, pump more oxygen through the body in the blood, and can increase the person's reaction time." Should that be "decrease" reaction time?

louiegreenwell

06/27/11 09:21

The article contradicts itself. The opening section states to exercise in the am or early afternoon, then later it says you can exercise before bed. While all my be true, the quiz question was poorly chosen.

aloka

08/04/11 06:17

i agree with the above comments: the answer is 'false' in this case, based on the article!

aerigor

08/19/11 01:36

exercise in the morning and early afternoon is far different from before sleeping. Answering "False" must be correct!

Gupette

09/02/11 02:48

I agree. The answer should be false. Light exercise before bed doesn't help you fall asleep...whether the article says so or not!

MM5

09/30/11 11:35

After reading the article, I understand that exercise improves sleep. However, the question regarding best time of day to exercise is morning and afternoon, and does not suggest evening exercise directly. A false anwer would be more accurate, I think.

markjenkinsrf

10/03/11 01:00

For sure they have the answer reversed. It should be False, not True. I want credit for my correct answer !!!

drtdw

10/05/11 12:11

Does it really matter if your answer is right or wrong? I think you still get credit for reading the article. I don't like being "wrong" when I am right.

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