Wellness \ Doctor's Rounds

Exercises That Help You Get Sleep

We all know that exercise can do wonders for our bodies. But did you know that getting in a regular workout might also help you sleep better?

In fact, if you're tossing and turning at night, you might want to try taking an aerobics class.

One study found that doing moderate aerobic exercise helped insomniacs fall asleep faster, and sleep longer and more soundly.

Another study found that tai chi worked wonders for seniors—who often complain of restless nights.

The study divided older adults into two groups. One group practiced tai chi for 25 weeks, while the other took health education classes.

At the end of the program, the tai chi group said they were sleeping better, felt less drowsy during the day, and had improved concentration.

One tip: When you exercise, don't do it at night. Working out too close to bedtime can make you too keyed up to fall asleep.

So if you're tired of using late-night infomercials to make you drowsy, try a morning bike ride instead—it might just be what's needed to keep your sleep cycles in gear.


This entry last modified on: January 11, 2012 12:12 PM

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Can a workout help you sleep better? Dr. Bruce Dan reviews the best moves for more restful nights.

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