Exercise and Sleep – How They Complement Each Other

Exercise offers a lot of benefits, but most people do not think about how, when, and how much they exercise affects their sleep patterns. Well, it turns out that sleep and exercising go hand in hand. Just remember to exercise the right way, the right amount and at the right time. But what is the connection between sleep and exercise, and how do they complement each other?

A Great Workout Can Help You Get Better Sleep

Physical activity can improve the quality of your sleep and you will find that you sleep more soundly and more deeply. Great exercise also increases the amount of time we spend in deep sleep. Deep sleep is the most restful and restorative phase of sleeping, so the more time we spend in this phase, the more benefits we gain. These effects could include an improved immune system, better cardiac health, and reduced anxiety and stress.

Exercise Can Help Increase the Amount We Sleep

Exercise not only helps improve the quality of sleep, but it also helps with increasing the amount we sleep. Being physically active and exercising uses up a lot of energy and makes us feel a lot more tired and weary. The effects of this are longer sleep durations. If you exercise and then sleep on the best mattress, you could avoid complications that come from sleeping too long like back or neck pain. 

There Are Other Benefits Too

Exercising can help reduce stress and anxiety which are some of the major causes of sleeplessness. Stress and anxiety make people have trouble falling and staying asleep, and they may lead to a restless sleep. Five minutes of exercise has been shown to cause anti-anxiety responses in the body. Eliminating these two using the right amount of exercise can help improve the quality and quantity of your sleep. Besides, it could also help you fall asleep faster which is always a plus.

Besides physically demanding exercise, other types of exercises such as yoga can help quieten the brain so you have an easier time falling asleep.

Help with Insomnia and Other Sleep Disorders

Insomnia can be difficult to treat, especially if the person suffering does not want to take medications for it. Research has shown that exercise can help with insomnia and several other sleep disorders and complications. It has also shown that aerobic exercise, in particular, is an effective remedy for insomnia. The way it works is by helping to reduce anxiety, arousal, and depression, all of which can lead to chronic insomnia. The only caveat to keep in mind is that the effects of exercise on insomnia vary from person to person and they kick in over time. Also, remember that there is a lot yet to be learned in this area, so do not get worried if exercise does not help with your insomnia. 

Studies also show that exercise helps lower the severity of sleep-disordered breathing and the severity of obstructive apnea, both of which are two major causes of sleeplessness or interrupted sleep.

Good Sleep Also Complements Exercise

When we sleep well and wake up well-rested, our energy levels are usually high. Because of this, exercising does not feel like a chore, making it easier to get going. Good sleep also allows us to be more focused and alert which could help us exercise better and longer.

It therefore follows that as good sleep complements exercise and exercise causes better, deeper sleep, the two are in a cycle that has benefits at either end.

Although there is still a lot to be learned about the relationship and sleep, we do know that exercise can help us get better and longer sleep. We also know that exercise can help with other sleep disorders and non-sleep related disorders, which is always a bonus!