Exercise has a host of benefits including
Reducing your risks of disease
Boosting your mood
Improving digestion
Helping you manage your weight
Relieving stress
Reducing inflammation and chronic pain
Exercise also plays an important role in how well you sleep at night Learning more about this important activity and how it affects your body can help you enjoy better rest on a regular basis
Four Ways Exercise Promotes Restful Sleep
If you find yourself tossing and turning night after night getting in a good workout during the day can help Most people dont get as much exercise as they need but making some small changes can be well worth the effort
It Tires You Out
While your workday may have been mentally taxing spending hours sitting at a desk might not be enough to make you tired at night However when you participate in some strenuous physical activity your body will easily feel tired when youre done For example swimming is a great way to tire yourself out by exercising your entire body Contacting swimming pool contractors in Pensacola can help make it possible for you to swim more often for a low impact full body workout that helps you sleep better
Even moderate exercise can be enough to help your body crave some rest and relaxation at the end of the day For those with preexisting conditions longevity may be the safer approach as opposed to intensity Either way you dont want to push yourself to the point of utter exhaustion or pain Always consult with a physician before starting a new exercise regimen to be safe
It Affects Your Core Body Temperature
A good workout can elevate your body temperature temporarily which is why its so easy to work up a sweat when youre really exercising This is due to the amount of heat energy that your muscles generate when theyre contracting while youre moving your body more than usual However its not the heat that causes you to sleep better but what happens to the body as it tries to maintain homeostasis Eventually your body temperature will drop creating the perfect scenario for great rest
It Releases Endorphins
Exercise helps stimulate the release of certain chemicals within the body known as endorphins These feel good molecules help inhibit discomfort and improve your mood This means a good workout can be very effective at managing chronic pain and symptoms of anxiety and depression When your body feels better and more at ease its much easier to get the sleep you need
It Relieves Stress
Your body is equipped with a sympathetic nervous system that initiates a fight or flight response when youre in a stressful situation In generations past this response helped supply the body with the energy it needed to escape danger or endure long periods without food or rest Today most of our stressors are mental and emotional rather than physical so exercise is one of the best ways to lower those stress levels and deactivate that fight or flight response Working out reduces the release and overall level of cortisol the stress hormone in the body Studies have shown that reducing stress can help improve sleep
If youre struggling to get enough rest on a routine basis ask yourself this Are you getting as much exercise as your body truly needs Try to find ways to move your body every single day and focus on elevating your heart rate in the process Youll likely find that its easier to fall asleep fast and stay asleep longer when you do If your trouble sleeping persists be sure to talk with a physician to rule out any other underlying causes
If you are struggling with getting enough sleep or would like some expert advice about the connection between exercise and sleep contact your local sleep experts If you live in Alaska click on the link below to connect with a professional sleep specialist
