If you’re having trouble sleeping, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible. If you don’t get enough sleep, you’re more likely to experience problems with concentration and memory. Plus, not getting enough sleep can lead to serious health issues like diabetes, heart disease and obesity.
There are many different ways to improve your quality of sleep — from lifestyle changes to medication. However, exercise may be one of the best ways to help promote better sleep. Here are some exercises you can do before bedtime that will help improve the quality of your slumber:
- Yoga is a great way to relax at any time during the day — but it’s particularly beneficial before bedtime because it promotes mindfulness and helps clear your mind of thoughts that may keep you awake at night or interfere with falling asleep easily. Yoga is also known for improving flexibility and balance which can help relieve stress and tension in muscles throughout the body that may contribute to poor sleep patterns.
- Deep Breathing Exercises – Deep breathing exercises — also known as diaphragmatic breathing — are simple but highly effective ways to improve both oxygen levels and blood pressure while calming down at the same time. This helps reduce heart rate variability (HRV), which is one of the key indicators of healthy sleeping patterns!
- Meditation – Meditation is one of the most powerful methods for improving your quality of sleep. It helps you release stress, which has been shown to be one of the top causes of sleeplessness. The act of meditation is also relaxing in itself, helping you calm down after a long day and prepare for bedtime.
- Stretching – Stretching your body helps relax tense muscles and relieve stress. This exercise is great for improving circulation, which can increase energy levels during the day and help you sleep better at night.
