The one workout that can actually help you sleep better has been revealed
And *oh praise be*, we can actually all do it…
And *oh praise be*, we can actually all do it…
And oh praise be, we can all do it…
It’s not twisting ourselves into super yoga knots, it’s not any sort of scary bootcamp or endurance running test. Nope, the one workout that scientists say will definitely help you sleep better is walking.
But before you dismiss this as click bait and sigh ‘FFS, that’s not even a real workout,’ hear them out. The health benefits, the Sleep Foundation says, are inarguable.
Their study compared the effects that a session of the moderate-intensity aerobic activity (walking) had on the time it took people with chronic insomnia to fall asleep, with when the group did a session of vigorous aerobic exercise (running) and a night where they did no exercise at all. Walking was the winner, showing the biggest reduction in the time it took to fall asleep.
In a video created by Dr Vonda Wright, MD, for the Huffington Post, studies concluded that the time of day that you go for your walk is also important. A 7am stroll will apparently lead to a 75% increase in deep sleep, but their researchers suggest that any walk is a good walk as long as it’s at least three hours before you head for bed.
The best bit, of course, is that walking is easy, it’s everywhere and it’s free. Obviously any exercise helps our body and mind and reduces anxiety. But with so many stresses, screens and other distractions, it’s harder than ever to switch off, so we’re keen to try any natural way to get us to fall into sleep mode quicker.
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
So insomniacs, listen up, go for a walk... and maybe get yourself a new puppy to go with?
-
Penn Badgley has written songs for every one of his A-list girlfriends, from Zoë Kravitz to Blake Lively
By Jenny Proudfoot
-
10 extraordinary mothers around the world
We celebrate the life-changing work of women who are changing the world for the better
By Mischa Anouk Smith
-
I tried TikTok's lemon balm tea for a week to see if it can really help to reset your nervous system - my honest review
Sit back and pour yourself a cup of calm.
By Anna Bartter