The Importance Of Exercise In An Insomnia Cure

Behavioral therapy is central to curing insomnia and is probably the single most important element in any treatment plan.

Behavioral therapy is a large subject and covers a wide range of topics.

The amount of physical activity that you engage in during the day effects just how restfully you sleep at night.

In general, the more activity that your body enjoys during the day the more likely you are to relax fully at night and fall asleep easily.

With regular exercise your sleep quality improves and the transition between the cycles and phases of sleep is smoother and more regular.

Keeping up your physical activity during the day may also help you to deal with the stress and worry in your life.

Studies suggest a direct correlation between how much you exercise and how you feel both emotionally and physically as a result of changes in your brain chemistry brought about by regular exercise.

Try to increase your physical activity during the day, giving your body enough stimulation so that you are not restless at night.

Your body requires a certain amount of physical activity in order to function in a healthy manner.

It is important to note that…

You should NOT be exercising three to four hours before bedtime.

Ideally you should try to exercise in the late afternoon or early evening. You want to expend your physical energy long before bedtime, giving your body time to rest and ready itself for sleep.

Try to exercise at least three to four times a week for a continuous period of twenty to thirty minutes. This can include something as simple as walking or something as strenuous as running.

Whatever exercise you choose, you want to increase your heart rate and strengthen your lung capacity.

Adding a regular exercise activity to your daily schedule will improve your overall health and benefit you emotionally. This can, in turn, help promote a natural remedy for your sleeplessness.

Besides walking and running there are many physical activities that you can add to your life to increase your activity level.

Aerobic exercises seem to work best to battle sleeplessness, as they increase the amount of oxygen that reaches your blood. There are many types of aerobic activities to choose from including:

• Running



• Biking



• Using a treadmill



• Jumping rope



• Dancing.

Some non-aerobic activities may also help as you work to cure your insomnia.

As well as being relaxing, the following activities also bear other healing properties:

• Yoga stimulates your nervous system and, in particular, the brain. Yoga uses breathing techniques and yoga postures to increase blood circulation to your brain, promoting regular and restful sleeping patterns.
  
  Regular practice of yoga will relax you as well as relieve stress and tension.



• Tai Chi is a form of breathing and movement developed by ancient Chinese monks. Tai Chi involves precise and slow movements - ideal for those with joint pain or who cannot participate in high impact aerobic exercises.


Studies have shown that Tai Chi may help people with insomnia by promoting relaxation.

If you find it difficult to exercise on a regular basis try sneaking extra moments of activity into your daily schedule...

• Take the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible.



• Try parking your car around the corner and walking that extra block to your apartment.

There are many small ways that you can incorporate some added activity into your life.