Sleep for exercise and exercise for sleep: What this means + what to do

By MiNDFOOD

Sleep for exercise and exercise for sleep: What this means + what to do
Sleep is an important part of looking after our health. We simply can’t function and be productive with a lack of sleep, and in some cases, it's hard to get enough sleep without the right amount of exercise. We discover three workouts that have been proven to give you a better nights rest.

Lack of sleep can lead to loss of concentration, tiredness, fatigue and impaired physical and mental performance, it can even cause long-term health issues often difficult to undo. The combination of regular exercise, balanced nutrition and enough sleep form the foundation of physical health and wellbeing.

How much sleep do you need?

It is agreed that adults need seven to eight hours sleep a night, and when we don’t get this amount of sleep it can quickly impact on our health and wellbeing. When you lack sleep it soon starts to feel normal to be tired and worn out, or lacking energy to achieve your to-do list.

Sleeping well is just as important as exercise and good eating patterns when we are looking at improving our health and fitness. It has been shown that not getting enough sleep is linked with overeating and not having the energy to maintain a regular exercise programme. Just as you plan ahead with what you eat, and book in regular exercise opportunities, the key to getting a good night’s sleep is to make the time to fit it in.

If fatigue and tiredness is an issue for you, then check in on your sleeping habits, as there are some things you can do to help get a better night’s rest.

How much exercise do you need?

Regular physical activity and exercise is one way to help set up good sleep patterns. On the other side of the equation, inactivity and stress can lead to interrupted sleep, or a lack of physical tiredness, which can make getting to sleep more difficult. Getting active also reduces your stress levels, and also encourages the release of feel-good hormones as you exercise, and for a time afterwards. And by the end of the day, that exercise will contribute to tiredness, which will assist with sleep.

It is while you sleep that much of our muscle recovery and repair happens, so just as exercise will help you sleep, good sleep habits will help you maintain your exercise programme and boost your results.

There are studies showing that there is a relationship between lack of sleep and the inability to lose weight, so if you are on a weight loss journey, then enough sleep is as important as that gym session.

Best exercises for better sleep

The National Sleep Foundations says that while there’s no one perfect exercise that will enhance your sleep – any type of movement is better than none – but these three specific activities are scientifically proven to help you get better slumber, even if done for just 10 minutes at a time.

Strength Training: Building muscle has been shown to improve the quality of sleep, and it can also help you fall asleep faster and wake up less frequently throughout the night. Try exercises such as squats, lunges, calf raises, sit-ups, and push-ups that will make you stronger.

Yoga: Yoga’s relaxing poses and stretches, as well as the calming breathing exercises that accompany them, may be especially helpful if stress is what’s keeping you from falling asleep. Discover the Best Yoga Poses For Your Body Type.

Cardio Exercise: Get your heart rate up by running, going for a brisk walk, cycling, and swimming – all proven to improve sleep and battle insomnia.

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