Having trouble sleeping? Give aerobics a try!
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 64 million Americans suffer from insomnia. While there are varying types of insomnia and a myriad of causes, all insomniacs suffer from the same persistent inability to fall asleep. Treatment of this condition can include medication, therapy, relaxation exercises, and, according to a new study, aerobic exercise.
Researchers in Brazil recently studied a group of 28 women and 8 men suffering from chronic insomnia. Participants were divided into four groups: moderate aerobic exercise, heavy aerobic exercise, strength training, and a control group. The results indicated that the moderate aerobic exercise group saw the greatest improvement, with a 54 percent decrease in sleep onset latency, 36 percent decrease in awake time, an increase in total sleep time and sleep efficiency by 21 percent and 18 percent, respectively and a 7 percent decrease in anxiety.
* Provided by IHRSA
