A new study from a university in America has found that getting more exercise could be the key to helping people sleep better and feel more alert the next day.

Over 2,600 men and women aged 18 – 65 took part in the study which found that those who underwent at least two and a half hours of moderate exercise each week (30 minutes a day) had a 65% improvement in the quality of their sleep.

Those who exercised also were less likely to suffer from leg cramps and were able to concentrate better when tired.

Exercise promotes better quality sleep

The study was published in the journal Mental Health and Physical Activity and found that although those who didn’t exercise still got the same number of hours of sleep as those who did exercise, but exercisers tended to fall asleep faster as well as enjoying better sleep.

One of the authors of the study, Brad Cardinal from Oregon State University, said:  “Physical activity may not just be good for the waistline and heart, but it also can help you sleep.

“There are trade-offs. It may be easier when you are tired to skip the workout and go to sleep, but it may be beneficial for your long-term health to make the hard decision and get your exercise.”

Many people who aren’t getting enough quality sleep may find that it is due to an uncomfortable bed, so investing in a new luxury mattress could be another way of helping you sleep better. When you purchase a bespoke mattress from the Odd Mattress Company you can get it made to your exact requirements, so you can get the right size and depth of bed to suit your needs.

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