Exercise serves as a comprehensive solution for both mental and physical health. It is an indispensable component that ought to be integrated into one’s daily regimen. Beyond the well-known advantage of weight loss, it offers numerous indirect benefits. One such benefit pertains to insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by difficulty in falling asleep or achieving restorative sleep.

Research published in the Psychology of Sport & Exercise has demonstrated the positive effects of exercise and various physical activities on sleep quality, especially for individuals suffering from insomnia.

Physical activity benefits insomnia

A study conducted in China monitored 147 university students aged 18 to 29 using devices that recorded their physical activities and sleep patterns over a period of seven days and eight nights. The researchers categorized the physical activities into three distinct groups: moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity (LPA), and sedentary behavior.

Among the participants, 41 exhibited symptoms of insomnia. The sleep quality of these individuals showed significant improvement when they engaged in vigorous physical activities. They experienced better sleep on days when they minimized sedentary behaviors, such as prolonged sitting or limited movement. Conversely, their sleep quality declined slightly when they only participated in light physical activity. This suggests that engaging in more intense workouts, rather than merely casual walking, can enhance sleep quality.

No effect for those without insomnia

The study, however, did not reveal any significant relationship between activity levels and sleep quality for participants who did not exhibit insomnia symptoms.

This finding is significant, indicating that solutions to sleep issues are not one-size-fits-all. Instead, they are influenced by various factors that affect sleep quality, including stress, genetics, and diet.

For individuals suffering from insomnia, substituting moderate activities with more intense workouts that induce sweating may lead to improved sleep quality.

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