Walking helps to improve your sleep routine

Sleep is a crucial aspect of a healthy lifestyle. It is the time when our body repairs and rejuvenates itself. However, for many people, getting a good night’s sleep can be a challenge. Many factors can affect the quality of our sleep, such as stress, poor diet and lack of physical activity. One of the most effective ways to improve sleep is by incorporating regular physical activity into our daily routine, such as walking.

Walking is one of the simplest and most accessible forms of physical activity. It is low impact, requires no equipment, and can be done almost anywhere. Studies have shown that regular walking can have numerous benefits for our physical and mental health, including improving our sleep.

One way that walking helps to improve our sleep is by reducing stress levels. Stress and anxiety are common causes of sleep disturbances. When we are stressed, our bodies release the hormone cortisol, which can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. Regular walking has been shown to reduce cortisol levels in the body, thereby reducing stress and anxiety and improving the quality of our sleep.

Another way that walking can improve our sleep is by regulating our body’s internal clock. Our bodies have an internal clock that regulates our sleep-wake cycle. This clock is influenced by external factors such as light and darkness, and by our daily habits and routines. Regular walking can help to regulate our body’s internal clock by exposing us to natural sunlight during the day and promoting a regular sleep schedule.

Walking can also improve the quality of our sleep by promoting relaxation and reducing muscle tension. When we walk, our muscles and joints are engaged, and blood flow increases throughout our bodies. This can help to reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation, making it easier for us to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Furthermore, regular walking can also help to improve our overall physical health, which can in turn improve the quality of our sleep. Walking is a weight-bearing exercise, which means that it helps to strengthen our bones and muscles. It also improves our cardiovascular health, which can reduce the risk of conditions such as high blood pressure and heart disease. When our bodies are in better physical health, we are more likely to sleep better and wake up feeling refreshed and energised.

Incorporating regular walking into our daily routine can be an effective way to improve the quality of our sleep. To reap the benefits of walking for sleep, it is recommended that we aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity walking each day. This can be done all at once or broken up into shorter sessions throughout the day.

So why not lace up your walking shoes and take a stroll today? Your body (and mind) will thank you for it.

• ‘For Men To Talk – Biggleswade… and Walk’ is held on the 2nd Sunday every month at 9.15am. starting from Jones’ Cafe in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. 
• ‘For Men To Talk – Bedford… and Walk’ is held every Thursday at 6pm, starting from Cloverdale Retreat, Priory Country Park in Bedford, Bedfordshire.