Exercise: A Natural Insomnia Cure

Sure, we've all heard about how great exercise is for us: a natural way to lose weight, a necessary way to maintain our heart health, and the best way to relieve stress. But the benefits don't stop there. For those of you who are suffering from late nights sitting in front of bad television re-runs and ridiculous infomercials, exercise is the answer to your insomnia woes.

How Exercise Can Help

Exercise helps us run, push and punch out stress. It helps us unwind and get rid of the day's anxieties. Stress is often what is the root cause for insomnia (you know those nights when your mind just won't stop spinning? Stress is to blame for that!) so getting it out of your system is exactly what you need for a restful, peaceful night's sleep.

Consider how exercise often either provides you with some much needed “alone” time (going for a jog, running laps, taking a bike ride) and how it also gives us a sense of accomplishment. It's no easy feat running even half a mile for many. When we accomplish goals in our day to day lives, we tend to feel more satisfied and at ease. That satisfaction allows us to put a close to that day's “chapter” and sleep soundly.

When to Exercise is Important

Here's an argument that is often presented when you bring up “exercise” and “sleep” in the same sentence: doesn't exercise actually get the “awake” hormones in your body going? Answer: yes. For this reason, it is important that you exercise a few hours before you plan to go to bed for the best results. I tend to go to sleep around 11pm every night. I'll be sure to make time for my dog walk or bike ride between 5 and 6 so I not only get to experience that endorphin rush and wakeful period, but I also then get to enjoy that deep sleepy feeling that creeps up on me around 10:30pm each night.

NOTE: If even after exercise you find yourself suffering from sleepless nights, do be sure to check in with your doctor for further help and advice.

So before you take that Ambien prescription pill or have a glass or two of wine, grab your old running shoes and go for a light jog. You will be amazed how wonderful you'll feel.

photo by Ariel da Silva Parreira