Featured in British GQ Magazine how exercise effects sleep quality

I’ve just been featured in British GQ Magazine talking about How to exercise for better sleep and you can see the interview here https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/exercise-for-sleep 

A big thank you to David Taylor

Let's dive into how exercise can enhance your sleep quality, a topic that holds significant relevance for entrepreneurs, business owners, consultants, and busy professionals like yourself.

Regular exercise has a profound impact on sleep quality, helping you fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper, more restorative sleep. Engaging in moderate to vigorous exercise can reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and decrease the amount of time you spend awake at night. This can be particularly beneficial in reducing daytime sleepiness and the need for sleep medications.

Aerobic exercises, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, have been shown to improve sleep quality significantly. These activities help increase the amount of slow-wave sleep, the deep, restorative phase of your sleep cycle. Moreover, they can stabilize your mood and decompress your mind, which is essential for a smooth transition to sleep.

Interestingly, the timing of your workouts can also play a role. While some studies suggest that exercising close to bedtime might make it harder to fall asleep due to increased heart rate and body temperature, others find little to no adverse effects on sleep quality. The key is to listen to your body and adjust your exercise schedule accordingly.

Resistance training, like lifting weights or doing bodyweight exercises, also contributes to better sleep. It helps in building muscle strength and, when combined with aerobic exercise, can offer comprehensive health benefits that extend to improved sleep quality.

Additionally, exercise helps manage weight, reducing the risk of sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, which is often linked to obesity. This relationship underscores the importance of regular physical activity in maintaining a healthy weight and, by extension, better sleep.

To maximize these benefits, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise most days of the week. It's encouraging to know that even if you're just starting, you can see improvements in your sleep quality almost immediately. Whether it's a morning jog, a lunchtime walk, or an evening yoga session, find a routine that fits your lifestyle and stick with it​.

Incorporating regular exercise into your daily routine is a powerful way to enhance your sleep, boost your energy levels, and improve overall well-being. As busy professionals, prioritizing sleep through exercise can lead to better productivity, focus, and health. So, lace up those sneakers and get moving – your body and mind will thank you!