Working Out Improves Insomniacs’ Mood and Sleep

photo: Thinkstock Sleep deprived? We thought you’d like this post from Ronnie Koenig at AOL Health . We all know the benefits of doing cardio — a healthier heart, a smaller waistline and more energy. But did you know that doing an aerobic workout can also promote sleep, particularly for people over 55? A new study from Northwestern Medicine, funded by the National Institute on Aging , showed that getting regular aerobic exercise was an effective, drug-free prescription for insomnia . The researchers looked at 23 sedentary adults, primarily women over the age of 55 who had difficulty falling asleep and whose lack of sleep interfered with daily tasks. The individuals were split into two groups — exercising and non-exercising. The exercising group did two 20-minute sessions four times a week or one 30- to 40-minute session four times a week, over a period of 16 weeks. Those in the non-exercising group participated in other activities such as taking a cooking class or attending a museum lecture, which occurred for about 45 minutes, three to five times a week over the 16-week study period. By the end of the 16 weeks, those in the exercising group self-reported an improved quality of sleep and fewer depressive symptoms. They also reported more energy during the day and less daytime drowsiness. Their diagnosis went from “poor sleepers” to “good sleepers.” Read the full post at AOL Health . Post from: BlissTree Working Out Improves Insomniacs’ Mood and Sleep

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Working Out Improves Insomniacs’ Mood and Sleep