Connect & Subscribe |
The following is a guest article written by Jim Rollince of Gym Source, America's largest commercial provider of fitness equipment and a company that prides themselves on the values of exercise and health.
Optimal health is highly dependant on good sleep, and good sleep is dependant on a number of variables, one of the most important of which is stress. In addition to limiting your stress, many experts will tell you to practice the following to maintain healthy sleep patterns:
Despite these good points, what doctors often don't explicitly mention is that improved sleep can be found through the simple enjoyment of life, and even more specifically, exercise! Most practitioners of fitness follow through with a simple, yet mundane routine that eventually leaves them feeling pretty bored with it. Boredom leads to restlessness; restlessness leads to increased brain activity prior to falling asleep.
To sleep well at night it helps if your body and mind both feel as if they've accomplished something during the day--whether or not you're involved athletically, it helps if you remain active in one way or another. And through that activity, attempt to find enjoyment. And just because you like your job, or relationship, doesn't necessarily mean that you're satisfied with all other environmental factors. Most people do much more outside of work, including intramural sports, trivia, and in some cases, extra work! These are all great ways to stay active and eliminate the tirelessness that can plague your restless nights.
Yet, be careful as to not overdo one or the other; as I mentioned previously, some people like to frequent the gym and follow the same workout regimen daily. This is great if you're entering into a weight-lifting competition, or you're a professional athlete, but for most people, it won't cut it in the long run.
As human beings, we benefit from teaching our mind new things, while also teaching our body the same. This is inherently true with things like dance. More specifically, Zumba is an excellent example of something different, fun, and unique. The ability to genuinely enhance cardiovascular function and endurance, while practicing muscle memory routines effectively exercises the whole body. And simply put, it's fun!
Undoubtedly, the most practical and enjoyable way to stay in shape is by playing intramural sports or engaging in a physically strenuous activity. Playing in an intramural dodge ball or kickball league can successfully burn fat and leave the body feeling accomplished.
Even things like mountain climbing, biking, quad racing, fishing, golfing, etc. are all great ways to actively stay in shape, and by nature of doing so improve your sleep.
By switching up your exercise load, you can easily diversify your every day routine, keeping things fresh, and keeping your mind and body in a healthier, less stressful state. Go out and diversify your exercise/health routine so as to not become burdened by what should ultimately be an enjoyable experience. You'll rest easier for it.
Written by Jim Rollince of Gym Source, home of fitness gurus and an extremely reputable distributor of home gyms and training equipment, including treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, arc trainers and accessories.
(Please Note: Guest posts do not necessarily reflect the positions of Stanford Sleep and Dreams, but we relish the opportunity to provide you with insights about sleep from a multitude of perspectives.)
Can't Sleep? Learn About Some Expert Tips To Help The Cause
Go from Exercise and Sleep to the Sleep Essentials Quick Guide
Welcome! This site is continuously being created by students of Dr. William C. Dement's Sleep And Dreams course at Stanford University.
We made this site as a call to action for people all over the world to live healthier, happier, safer, and more productive lives by learning about their own sleep. We have faith that reading the information provided on this site will motivate you to be smart about your sleep deprivation and strategic about your alertness in order to live life to your fullest, most energetic potential.
In fact, we challenge you to do so! What do you say, are you up for the challenge?
Interviews With Sleep Specialists: Insights Into the Worlds of Sleep Medicine & Sleep Business
America's Most Dangerous Disorder: What Is Sleep Apnea Doing To Your Sleep?
Sleep Debt: How Much More Will You Achieve When You Reduce Yours?
The Stages Of Sleep: The Journey Through The Night
Delayed Sleep Phase: You Want To Sleep But You're Not Tired Yet
Paralyzed at Night: Is Sleep Paralysis Normal?
Sleep In Words: Smart, Strange, and Funny Quotes About Sleep
Sleep Disorders In Children: What's Keeping Your Child From A Full Night's Rest?
Attacks of Pavor Nocturnus (a.k.a. Sleep Terrors, Night Terrors, or Incubus Attacks)
Dr. Dement's pioneering textbook has been the core text for Sleep and Dreams since 1980, but it has just recently been made available to the wider public for the first time.
In it you'll find a more detailed account of the most important things you need to know about sleep, alertness, dreams, and sleep disorders. Studies, statistics, plus plenty of Dr. Dement's classic anecdotes painting the history of sleep medicine.
Preface | Intro | Contents | Get A Copy
A revolution in personal sleep tracking, the Zeo is a wireless headband that transmits your brainwaves in realtime to a dock (pictured here) or your smartphone. The result? You can wake up and see exactly what stages of sleep you were in during the night! Unprecedented personalized sleep knowledge.
Ever woken up paralyzed? A surprising number of us have, believe it or not. But few know the actual causes of this phenomenon, and fewer still how to exert control over it. Dream researcher and sleep paralysis expert Ryan Hurd shares breakthrough insights into how to do just that.
Please Note:
The information found on this page and throughout this site is intended for general information purposes only. While it may prove useful and empowering, it is NOT intended as a substitute for the expertise and judgments of healthcare practitioners.
For more info, see our
Terms of Use.