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INYANGA HEALTH

Health, One Step at a Time

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Writer's pictureDr. Alex Armitage

Exercise and Sleep: An Intimate Connection

There is a deep-seated link between exercise and sleep, two pillars of well-being that are intricately intertwined. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or just starting your wellness journey, understanding how exercise can improve your sleep is a valuable piece of knowledge that can transform your nights and, ultimately, your days.


Woman stretching

As I sit here quietly on a Sunday evening I am reflecting on the exercise-sleep connection. My gym has started offering hot yoga on Sunday afternoons. I am new to yoga and find it a challenge but it is also remarkably calming, and tonight I am sleepy.


Sleep, that elusive state of rest and rejuvenation, is an essential component of our daily lives. Yet, it often eludes us, leaving us groggy, irritable, and struggling to function optimally. The good news is that regular exercise can act as a powerful ally, facilitating a more restful and restorative slumber. The benefits extend far beyond the realm of counting sheep, offering an array of physical, mental, and emotional advantages that contribute to overall well-being.


When we engage in physical activity, our bodies respond with a cascade of positive effects. In the following articles, we'll dive deeper into the specific exercises that can enhance sleep, exploring the calming embrace of Tai Chi, the transformative power of Pilates, the joy of low-impact cardio, the soothing solace of mindful walking, and the serenity of meditation. Armed with this knowledge, you'll have a comprehensive toolkit to choose from, tailoring your exercise routine to suit your preferences, abilities, and sleep goals.


So, if you've been searching for a natural, holistic approach to improve your sleep, join us on this journey of discovery. Together, let's unlock the extraordinary benefits of exercise and pave the way for restful nights, vibrant mornings, and a life of wellness and vitality.


Woman sleeping

Why Exercise Improves Sleep

Exercise contributes to better sleep in several ways. It helps regulate our body's internal clock, or circadian rhythm, enhancing our sleep-wake cycle. It also aids in reducing stress and anxiety, common culprits of sleep disturbances. Physical activity increases the time spent in restorative sleep stages, enabling the body and mind to rejuvenate effectively.


The Best Types of Exercise for Sleep

Regular exercise can have a profound impact on sleep quality and overall sleep patterns. Engaging in physical activity not only helps to promote a deeper and more restful sleep but also contributes to better mood, reduced stress, and enhanced overall well-being. When it comes to choosing the best types of exercise for improving sleep, it's important to focus on activities that are both physically engaging and mentally relaxing. A variety of exercises can promote better sleep. Here are a few examples:

  1. Aerobic Exercise: Aerobic exercises, such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming, are excellent choices for improving sleep. These activities increase your heart rate, improve blood circulation, and release endorphins, which help reduce stress and anxiety. By engaging in aerobic exercises during the day, your body's natural sleep-wake cycle is regulated, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep at night.

  2. Strength Training: Strength training exercises, such as weightlifting or resistance training, can indirectly contribute to better sleep. By building muscle strength, you increase your body's metabolism, which can enhance overall energy levels during the day and promote fatigue in the evening. However, it is important to note that performing strength training exercises too close to bedtime may lead to increased alertness, so it's generally recommended to complete these workouts earlier in the day.

  3. Yoga: Yoga and stretching exercises are also highly beneficial for improving sleep. These practices combine gentle movements, controlled breathing, and mindfulness, helping to relax both the body and mind. Yoga postures, such as Child's Pose, Standing Forward Bend, or Legs-Up-The-Wall pose, can promote relaxation and alleviate tension in the body. Incorporating yoga or stretching exercises into your routine before bedtime can be particularly effective in preparing your body for a restful sleep. Gentle yoga styles, like Hatha or Restorative yoga, are particularly suited for promoting relaxation and better sleep.

  4. Tai Chi: This ancient Chinese martial art combines slow, graceful movements with deep breathing and mindfulness. Tai Chi is known for its stress-reducing benefits and its ability to promote relaxation. Regular practice of Tai Chi can help calm the mind, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality.

  5. Pilates: Pilates focuses on core strength, flexibility, and overall body conditioning. It involves controlled movements and precise alignment, which can help alleviate muscle tension and promote relaxation. Incorporating Pilates exercises into your routine can contribute to better sleep by reducing physical discomfort and stress.

  6. Low-impact cardio exercises: If high-impact aerobic exercises are not suitable for you, low-impact alternatives such as elliptical training, stationary cycling, or water aerobics can still provide the benefits of cardiovascular exercise without putting excessive stress on your joints. These activities can improve sleep by boosting overall fitness and promoting relaxation.

  7. Mindful walking: Going for a leisurely walk in nature can be a soothing and rejuvenating experience. Engaging in mindful walking involves focusing your attention on the sensations of walking, your breath, and the environment around you. This practice can help clear the mind, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality.

  8. Meditation: Although not a traditional exercise, meditation can be a powerful tool for improving sleep. By practicing meditation, you can cultivate a state of deep relaxation, reduce anxiety, and promote mental clarity. Incorporating meditation into your bedtime routine can signal to your body that it's time to unwind and prepare for sleep. Here are links for a Body Scan Meditation and Progressive Muscle Relaxation meditation with audio files.

Remember, the key is to choose exercises that you enjoy and feel comfortable with. Consistency and regularity in your exercise routine are essential for reaping the long-term benefits on sleep. It's also important to listen to your body and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any specific concerns or medical conditions that may affect your exercise choices.


Woman on a treadmill

Timing of Exercise

When you exercise can also influence your sleep. Morning exercise can help kickstart your day, leaving you energized and alert. Afternoon exercise can help avoid the midday slump, while early evening workouts can raise your body temperature slightly, only to let it drop and trigger feelings of drowsiness as bedtime approaches.


However, high-intensity workouts close to bedtime might have the opposite effect, leaving you too energized to sleep. As a general rule, try to finish any vigorous activity at least one to two hours before heading to bed to allow your body time to relax.


It's important to remember that any exercise is better than none. Find a routine that fits your lifestyle and preferences, and you'll likely notice improvements in your sleep quality. By incorporating regular physical activity into our daily lives, we can actively contribute to more restful and restorative sleep.


Finding the Exercise-Sleep Balance

Determining the right amount of exercise for optimal sleep isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. It can depend on several factors, including your current fitness level, lifestyle, and overall health. However, some general guidelines can be beneficial for most individuals.

The standard mantra about exercise comes from The American Heart Association who suggests at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week, ideally spread throughout the week, for substantial health benefits. It appears that the first 3 hours of exercise in the week provides the greatest benefit in terms of return on effort. Some is better than none, and in this equation going from nothing to something is one of the biggest gifts that you can give yourself and the returns are substantial. The law of diminishing returns does appear to apply to exercise where you will not see the same substantial increase in benefits going from, for example, 12 to 16 hours of exercise a week.


When it comes to promoting better sleep, consistency is key. Regular, daily physical activity can significantly improve sleep quality, even if it's as simple as a daily walk. However, while exercise is beneficial for sleep, it's also crucial not to overdo it. Overtraining or intense late-night workouts could potentially interfere with sleep, as they might leave your body too energized to wind down for the night.


Always listen to your body. If you're feeling overly tired, it might be best to opt for a lighter form of exercise or even rest. Maintaining a balance between activity and rest is essential for both good sleep and overall wellbeing. By understanding your body's unique needs and capabilities, you'll be able to find an exercise routine that enhances your sleep and overall health.


Conclusion

By incorporating regular physical activity into your routine, you're not only taking strides towards a fitter and healthier body but also paving the way for nights filled with deep, restorative slumber.

Woman hiking in a field of flowers

Remember, timing is key when it comes to exercise and sleep. Aim to complete your workouts earlier in the day, allowing your body ample time to wind down and transition into a state of relaxation before bedtime. Finding the right balance between exercise intensity and duration is also crucial. Listen to your body, push yourself appropriately, but also be mindful of not overexerting to the point of exhaustion.


So, whether you choose the energizing rhythm of aerobic exercises, the peaceful serenity of yoga and stretching, or the invigorating strength training sessions, know that you're making a positive impact on your sleep journey. By embracing these activities, you're setting the stage for improved sleep quality, reduced stress, enhanced mood, and a greater sense of overall well-being.


As you embark on this transformative journey, remember that your body and mind deserve the utmost care and attention. Embrace the power of exercise, embrace the power of sleep, and unlock the boundless potential that lies within you.


Sleep well, dream big, and wake up ready to conquer the world

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