The keys are consistency over the long term.
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Sleep is one of the pillars of good health.
Getting enough quality sleep has been linked with a healthy heart, glowing skin and healthy weight.
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How Was the Study Conducted?
The surveys used for this study spanned 10 years.
The researchers were looking for correlations between physical activity and insomnia, sleep time and daytime sleepiness.
There were 4,339 participants, and about half were male and half were female.
Their height and weight were also measured and BMI was calculated.
Participants also answered questions about their sleep-related symptoms, including the frequency of insomnia.
Finally, they were asked about how much sleep they averaged each night.
What Did The Study Find?
Researchers found that persistently active participants were the least likely to report having two or three insomnia symptoms.
This helps strengthen the correlation between physical activity and quality sleep.
The same goes for those who were not physically active at baseline but eventually became active.
This emphasizes the importance of being consistently active over the long haul.
Why Does It Matter?
And when youre exhausted, youre less likely to exercise.
It also can impact the hormones responsible for hunger and satiety, which may encourage you to overeat.
What this study suggests is that regularly exercising could help you sleep better.
The researchers also found a correlation between other health habitslike a balanced dietand those who were consistent exercisers.
What is yoursleep environmentlike?
Is it chaotic or does it welcome sleep?
What is yourbedtime routinelike?
Are you getting off your devices well before bedtime and reducing the light youre exposed to?
What time are you eating dinner?
Sleep apnea can also disrupt sleep and is highly correlated with heart issues.
The Bottom Line
Sleep is vital to living a healthy, happy life.
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