Shea Simmons
When it comes to things that will help you fall asleep at night, most of them probably happen, well, at night, right? It turns out, though, that what you do in the morning also matters.
One of the best morning activities for sleep is taking a walk.
The key to ensuring you fall asleep each night and rest well is keeping your circadian rhythm in check. Your circadian rhythm is basically the 24-hour waking and sleeping cycle your body goes through during a day. Certain cues and triggers can ensure the cycle stays regular giving you the most optimal rest. Walking can help.
How? According to Angela Holliday-Bell, MD, a sleep specialist, taking a walk first thing exposes you to morning light which helps trigger your body into an awake mode, but it’s actually more than that.
“Exercise can release those natural endorphins that make you feel good and even more awake, while also leading to increased deep wave sleep at night,” Holliday-Bell told Well + Good.
She also added that the extra activity can increase your drive to sleep, make you a bit more tired, and ultimately help you fall asleep at night.
Walking isn’t just a good idea because it helps keep your sleep cycle regular. It has a myriad of benefits. You can use walking as a simple workout, a way to boost your mood, and a method of meditation.
The next time you’re re-evaluating your morning routine, it might be worth adding in a walk.
[Via Well + Good]
