Try Walking Before Sleeping if You Keep Waking
Have you ever found yourself lying awake at 2 am and wondering whether you have insomnia? Well, a simple walk before sleep might make things easier..
Research published in Sleep Health suggests that low-impact walking tends to be positively linked to sleep quality, particularly in middle-aged adults, with the effect appearing stronger in women.
Here’s what could be happening when you walk in the evening:
Your nervous system may begin shifting out of its high-alert state. Gentle movement seems to help lower cortisol, often a possible cause behind middle-of-the-night wake-ups. Walking outdoors as the sun sets may also help melatonin production naturally, and a post-dinner stroll could reduce the bloating or reflux that affects your sleeping cycle..
A long walk isn’t necessary. A short few yards may be sufficient enough for you.
Things to remind yourself before going for a stroll: Keep the pace conversational, finish at least an hour before bed, leave your phone behind and dim the lights when you get home.
It won’t fix everything but it’s relaxing and free, low-risk, and worth trying tonight and every night.
What do you think?
MBH/PS