Sleeping

How can physical activity help me sleep?

Physical activity provides us with natural stress relief. Our body decreases cortisol levels when we increase our oxygen levels, and aerobic activities can do just that.

For a good night’s sleep and to maintain our body clock, known as our “circadian rhythm”, experts recommend seven to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep for adults.²

This rhythm works closely with the hormones in our bodies, such as cortisol. Cortisol is released during times of stress, and elevated levels of this hormone make it harder for us to fall and stay asleep. Cortisol levels can also be lowered through mindfulness-based activities, which help calm our nervous system.

Less than half of adults living in Canada are meeting the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines, which means we’re not tiring ourselves out each day for a deep sleep – and in turn, we’re not sleeping well enough to wake up refreshed.³ It’s a vicious cycle!