Sleep

How to improve poor quality sleep?

Hearty Team
Feb 9, 2023

Wondering how to use research-backed techniques to combat sleep issues? New research suggests the importance of exercise for improving sleep. 

Study Summary

This new research, which included 34,000 adults, found that: 

  • Exercise is more effective for treating insomnia than sleeping aids.
  • Those in better physical condition were less likely to take prescription sleep medication.
  • The beneficial effect of exercise on sleep was stronger for men than women. The men with the highest levels of physical fitness, had a 15% lower risk of needing to rely on sleep drugs to fix their sleep issues.

The Hearty Take

These findings support the notion that fitness is important for all areas of health, finding that improving or maintaining fitness may be an effective alternative to sleeping drugs for combatting sleep problems. Having sleep issues? Working on your physical fitness may help you improve your sleep. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, spread out over at least 3 days per week, along with muscle-strengthening activities 2 or more days per week.

Must Read

Brain Health
How do ultra-processed foods (UPF’s) impact cognition?
Dr Frank Lipman
Jan 4, 2023
Expert Feature
Dr. Rhonda Fitzpatrick on Cold Therapy
Dr Frank Lipman
Dec 14, 2022
Nutrition
Does diet impact your risk for depression?
Dr Frank Lipman
Dec 19, 2022
Expert Feature
Dr Rhonda Fitzpatrick on Berberine
Dr Frank Lipman
Dec 19, 2022
Exercise
Is aerobic exercise or strength training better?
Dr Frank Lipman
Nov 30, 2022
Exercise
What happens if you only exercise on the weekend?
Dr Frank Lipman
Dec 16, 2022
Nutrition
Does Mediterranean diet improve heart health?
Dr Frank Lipman
Dec 19, 2022

HEARTY EXPERTS

Hearty's Experts share their experience and knowledge with you.
Gwyneth Paltrow
GOOP Founder/CEO
Bobbi Brown
Bobbi Brown Founder
Rosario Dawson
Actress
Téa Leoni
Actress and Philanthropist
Neil Parikh
Casper Co-founder
Harpreet Rai
Oura Former CEO
Andrew Orlanow
Founder of Sollis Health