How to Increase Your Quality of Life
Exercise for Improved Sleep and Health – How to Increase Your Quality of Life
Sleep problems often go untreated. People attribute insomnia to stress, getting older or a hectic pace of life. While a few nights of lost sleep may hardly be noticed, cumulative sleep loss can have a debilitating effect. We tell you here how to increase your quality of life by increasing your sleep.
Quality of life decreases dramatically if fatigue dominates the day. When short on sleep, people tend to overeat and under exercise. (I’m too tired to go for a walk! I think I’ll watch television and eat some crisps instead). Plenty of deep, restorative sleep is essential for good health. Feeling rested can make the difference between an average day and a great day. Good sleep is right up there with good nutrition and regular exercise to prevent injury and illness and to keep the body functioning in top form physically, mentally and spiritually.
What Causes Insomnia?
While stress is the leading cause of short-term insomnia, sleep difficulties may also be caused by a variety of illness, medication or lifestyle factors such as work schedule or caffeine consumption. If sleep problems persist for more than two weeks consult your doctor to determine what is causing the problem. Sleep problems can persist and worsen over time, so never ignore them. Preventing full-blown sleeping disorders takes less time and energy, and less of a toll on your health, than “curing” them once they have become a “habit”.
Does Exercise Improve your Sleep Habits?
Many people find they sleep better when they participate in regular exercise. Exercise relaxes the body and calms the mind. It also helps to reduce depression and anxiety: two common causes of sleep problems. Exercise also signals to the body that more and deeper sleep at night is needed, although how this occurs is unknown. Improvements in sleep are not always immediate, they may not be apparent until a week or two after beginning an exercise program.
How Much sleep do I Need?
Sleep requirements vary from person to person, but experts believe most people need from 7 to 9 hours a night. You may need more sleep if you are under extra stress or if you are unwell. You know you are getting enough sleep if you wake up in the morning before the alarm goes off, feeling refreshed and rested, and if you are alert throughout the day.
Older People Need Less Sleep
While older people don’t necessarily need less sleep, sleep patterns do sometimes change with age.
Older people tend to sleep less in one stretch, get less of the deeper stages of sleep and awaken more easily. The same factors, such as exercise that improve sleep quality for younger adults help older adults sleep better as well.
If you struggle with regular sleep, why not contact your local Hire Fitness outlet to arrange delivery of a piece of cardiovascular equipment to help you achieve regular exercise in the comfort of your own home. Equipment range includes treadmills, cross trainers, rowing machines, exercise bikes and vibration plates.