If you suffer from insomnia, exercise may be just the thing to improve
your sleep. An article in The
Medical Post on January 21, 1997 reported:
STANFORD, CALIF. - Researchers at the University of Stanford
have found moderate-intensity exercise improves quality of sleep in adults
aged 50 to 76 years.
During this randomized controlled trial, men and women in the targeted age group took brisk walks and took part in low impact aerobics. those who participated found a definite improvement in their sleep patterns.
If you are physically able, then you should try to exercise regularly, especially if you lead a somewhat sedentary life. Thirty or forty minutes of exercise after the evening meal might just do the trick. However, make sure you have that meal and do the exercising at least three hours before you try to sleep for best results.
An ideal pattern would be to do the more strenuous exercises during the day. These exercises don't have to involve high-intensity aerobics or marathon-type runs. If you are a jogger, great. But, even a brisk walk is beneficial. As bedtime approaches, slow your body down with milder exercise, such as an evening stroll.
But all exercise doesn't have to involve movement. Relaxation techniques and muscle-relaxing exercises are just as beneficial. Many such techniques exist. Try a little yoga, or listen to some relaxation tapes. Deep breathing is a very effective and beneficial method of relaxing the entire body.
