The Best Exercises for Sleep

Submitted by New Jersey Snoring Solutions on Sat 09/30/2017 - 09:00

If you suffer from sleep apnea, chronic insomnia or another sleep disorder, getting your regular dose of exercise can help. Research shows working out can increase overall quality of sleep as well as improve symptoms of certain sleep disorders. But not all exercise is equal. In this blog post, New Jersey sleep apnea specialist Dr. Ivan Stein shares the top exercises to boost your quality of sleep.

Cardio Exercise

Research shows that cardio (aerobic) exercise that gets your heart rate up can help improve insomnia and overall quality of sleep. Running, cycling and swimming have all been found to help improve sleep. The National Sleep Foundation recommends aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of high intensity cardio exercise per week.

Strength Training

Not only can building muscle and strength help improve your quality of sleep, it can also help you fall asleep faster and wake up less throughout the night. Bicep curls, squats, lunges, sit-ups and push-ups can all help. Be sure to check in with a fitness trainer or professional first to ensure you are using the proper form for these exercises.

Yoga

Yoga is beneficial for sleep in many ways. Not only does it alleviate stress, it also stretches and relaxes the body, making it easier to fall asleep. In fact, according to the National Sleep Foundation, individuals with insomnia who practice yoga daily are more likely to fall asleep faster and spend more time sleeping than those who don’t.

Learn More from New Jersey Sleep Apnea Solutions

As with most things in life, too much exercise can actually be harmful. Research shows that exercising too much and too close to bedtime can actually make sleeping difficult. If you have questions about your exercise schedule and whether it’s benefiting or harming your sleep, we recommend you speak with a sleep specialist, like Dr. Stein. He can also evaluate any possible sleep disorder symptoms you may be experiencing and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

To learn more from Dr. Stein, please email or call New Jersey Sleep Apnea Solutions at (855) 949-7667.