All too often, we fool ourselves into thinking that our laziness will not catch up with us — but unfortunately, it does in the form of restless nights spent counting sheep instead of sleeping away peacefully. So, read on if you’re ready to jumpstart your day (and ultimately your sleeping routine) by getting more intense exercise — trust me when I say this: a healthy body equals a healthy mind.
When it comes to sleep disorders, insomnia is one of the most common in the United States. It’s estimated that between 50 and 70 million adults have insomnia, making insomnia not only one of the most pervasive but also one of the most severe issues affecting Americans. This lack of sleep can have significant repercussions, both physically and mentally.
It can cause difficulty focusing at work or school, impacting productivity; it can lead to fatigue and depression, and insomnia has even been linked to a higher risk for developing mental diseases, dementia, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders and more. Therefore, tackling insomnia should be a priority for those it affects in the US.
To better understand the risk factors for poor sleep quality, studying the factors that promote good quality sleep is essential. Although previous studies have indicated that lifestyle factors, including a healthy diet and regular physical activity, are beneficial for good sleep, a comprehensive study is lacking.
This is what led a team of researchers from Canada, Japan, and Taiwan to probe the inter-relationship between physical activity and sleep quality. The study included middle-aged people between the ages of 40 – 64 from Japan. Researchers believe this is a crucial time window when various health issues arise.
The isotemporal substitution approach was used for the study, which estimates the effect of replacing one activity type with another for the same amount of time. The participants’ schedules replaced light-intensity or 60 minutes of sedentary behavior with moderate to vigorous physical activity. Each participant wore an accelerometer which monitored their level of physical activity for seven consecutive days. A questionnaire was used to assess the participant’s sleep quality and rest.
It was found that the replacement of sedentary behavior with moderate to intense exercise improved sleep quality. However, researchers noted that his association was only found in women. These findings are in agreement with reports that shed light on gender-based differences in sleep disorders. More studies are needed to understand why these gender-based dissimilarities occur.
Researchers hope their findings will serve as a useful tool for further studies on the prevention of sleep-related disorders.
Promoting Restful Sleep
Sleep Sure Plus is designed to help promote optimal sleep and restfulness through a variety of ingredients.
One of the most important ingredients included in this unique formula is melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone essential for regulating the circadian rhythm (the internal clock of the body). Sleep Sure Plus also contains valerian, one of the best natural ingredients for promoting rest and relaxation. These two essential ingredients are joined by another 6, which all work together to provide a better quality of sleep.