Getting better sleep tip #7: Get regular exercise
Aside from many other wonderful mental and physical health benefits, regular exercise can also make it easier to fall asleep and sleep better. You don’t have to be a star athlete to reap the benefits—as little as twenty to thirty minutes of activity helps. And you don’t need to do all thirty minutes in one session. You can break it up into five minutes here, ten minutes there, and still get the benefits. A brisk walk, a bicycle ride or a run is time well spent.
However, be sure to schedule your exercise in the morning or early afternoon. Exercising too late in the day actually stimulates the body, raising its temperature. That’s the opposite of what you want near bedtime, because a cooler body temperature is associated with sleep. Don’t feel glued to the couch in the evening, though. Exercise such as relaxation yoga or simple stretching shouldn’t hurt.
