Morning Exercise Improves Sleep

Morning exercise improves sleep quality according to researchers.

A study presented at the 58th Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine has found that early morning exercise increases sleep quality.

The study, done by researchers from Appalachian State University and led by Scott Collier, PhD, FACSM, assistant professor, found that exercising at 7 a.m. resulted in deeper sleep and more REM sleep cycles, than exercising at 1 p.m. or 7 p.m.

Nine adults were studied, including six men and three women. The participants worked out for thirty minutes on a treadmill at the appointed times, changing occasionally to clarify test results.

The 7 a.m. exercise routine produced 75 percent more deep sleep and 20 percent more sleep cycles.

Other research has found that many people do not get adequate sleep quality or quantity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has characterized lack of sleep quality and quantity an epidemic. This is especial true and worrisome for adolescents, who stay up late to text with friends or interact with the computer.

Chronic sleep shortage has been linked to Parkinson’s, dementia, cognition problems, depression, asthma, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and others.

Learn why supplemental melatonin doesn’t always work.

More information on natural and safe methods to get to sleep, and about deep sleep, lucid dreaming and REM-stage sleep: