How Cardio Exercise Affects Sleep Quality
A good night’s sleep is essential for maintaining physical and mental wellbeing, yet the quality and quantity of sleep people get can be highly variable. Fortunately, there are a number of lifestyle changes that can be made to better establish healthy sleep habits. Some research suggests that cardio exercise may aid in improving sleep quality, as it can reduce stress, increase alertness during the day, and lead to improved sleep patterns.
Apart from helping to regulate sleep patterns, there are other potential benefits to regular cardio exercise, including a reduction in anxiety and depression, and improved cognitive function. Even low-level aerobic activity has been associated with improved sleep quality. However, it’s important to note that excessive exercise late in the day may cause sleep disturbances.
An important factor to consider is that cardio exercise must form an integral part of a well-rounded lifestyle to achieve optimal benefits. Eating healthy, getting regular sleep, and reducing stress levels are also essential for maintaining sleep quality.
Benefits of Cardio Exercise
Regular aerobic activity can lead to a number of positive outcomes for both mental and physical wellbeing. Beyond the obvious physical benefits, regular cardio exercise can help promote better sleep by helping to reduce stress, improve clarity during the day, and regulate circadian rhythms. A consistent bedtime and night-time routine including regular cardio exercise can lead to more restful nights-sleep.
Although a single session of high-intensity exercise can lead to greater feelings of alertness afterwards, regular cardio exercise has been long been associated with improved sleep quality. Recent studies suggest that moderate-intensity exercise in the morning is optimal for improving sleep, however, the evidence shows mixed results.
Risks of Cardio Exercise
It’s worth noting that excessive exercise can lead to sleeping problems, as any activity that is taken too far can disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythms. This disruption can cause difficulty in both falling asleep and staying asleep, as well as a range of other medical complications.
Additionally, over-exertion may lead to higher levels of physical discomfort, which can also negatively impact sleep quality. Therefore, it’s important to find the right balance of aerobic exercise and rest. Listening to your body to determine the most appropriate exercise pattern and intensity can help ensure that sleep quality is not compromised.
It’s important to note that regular cardio exercise should not be undertaken as a solitary activity. A well-rounded lifestyle is key to maintaining sound sleep patterns, which includes other factors such as nutrition, hygiene, and stress-management.
The Bottom Line
- Regular cardio exercise can reduce stress, increase alertness during the day, and lead to improved sleep patterns.
- Low-level aerobic activity has been associated with improved sleep quality.
- Excessive exercise late in the day may cause sleep disturbances.
- Eating healthy, getting regular sleep, and reducing stress levels are also essential for maintaining sleep quality.
- Listen to your body and exercise in moderation for optimal sleep quality.
Conclusion
Regular cardio exercise is an important factor of improving sleep quality. Forming a well-rounded lifestyle with good sleep hygiene that includes a balanced diet, relaxation techniques, and regular exercise can be beneficial to overall health and wellbeing.