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Can Exercise Help with Sleep Disorders?

Sleep tips

Adding an exercise routine into your day can help fight your sleep disorders.

Most people are aware that, in most cases, their daily habits largely dictate how well they’ll sleep at night. Having the right mattress, the right sleep habits and a healthy eating schedule all play a part — but what about integrating normal exercise into your normal routine? Experts unanimously agree that a certain amount of exercise is crucial for overall health, but what is the correlation between a regular fitness routine and possible sleep disorders? Well, it’s larger than you might have thought.

The Healthy Domino Effect

It’s commonly agreed upon that regular exercise improves heart health and blood pressure, builds muscle, and not only helps combat stress, but can even improve mood self-esteem. The fact is, all of these benefits are also achieved with a proper night’s sleep. When combined together, the overall health of both your mind and body improve dramatically — and can work to counter sleep disorders and increase your lifespan.

Of course, you’re always advised to consult you doctor before taking on a new exercise regimen. However, you can always prepare yourself by knowing a few basics. For example, if you’re looking to combat any trouble that you’ve been having falling asleep by working out, good for you! But remember — the time of day and the type of workout route will directly affect your success rate. Exercising vigorously right before getting into bed (or, approximately within about three hours of your bedtime) can actually make it harder to fall asleep. Most people assume that knocking themselves out at the gym right before sleep will work to tire themselves out. This is far from the truth, and surprises many people. In actuality, a serious exercise routine performed right before bed stimulates your heart, brain and muscles — the opposite of what you want at bedtime. It also raises your body temperature right before bed, which, you’ll soon discover, is counter to achieving the proper, natural sedation your body needs to drift off to sleep.

When it comes to having a direct effect on getting a good night’s sleep, exercise in the late afternoon or early evening is truly the ideal practice. That’s because it raises your body temperature above normal a few hours before bed, allowing it to start falling just as you’re getting ready for bed. This decrease in body temperature appears to be a trigger that helps ease you into sleep. Again, you’ll always want to consult your doctor first, but integrating a good cardiovascular workout after work or school can work wonderful for your mind and body. This type of workout includes some activity in which you keep your heart rate up and your muscles pumping continuously for at least 20 minutes. Although strength-training, stretching, yoga, and other methods of exercise are beneficial, none match the sleep-enhancing benefits of cardiovascular exercise. The benefits are endless, not to mention the possible effects the exercise can have on combatting sleep disorders.

Consider trying a solid 20 minutes of vigorous exercise three or four times a week — jogging, using an elliptical, or playing a sport on par with tennis is the perfect amount of cardio activity.

Shop All American Mattress

One of the simplest ways to turn sleep into a treasure and not a chore is to find a mattress that makes you seriously comfortable. This will not only get you excited about sleep, but it will make it easier to have a restful night. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local mattress and furniture experts at All American Mattress. Stop by or contact All American Mattress at 410-451-9006 today! We have all of the brand names you know and trust at affordable prices. With the areas, only commission-free sales staff, All American Mattress’ staff will help you pick out the right bed for your comfort and your budget.

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