Exercise is known to help with hormonal regulation and reduces stress, which could explain why it helps treat sleep disorders. No, not alcohol, which can interfere with sleep. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for sleep disorders consists of a series of behavioral strategies and cognitive interventions that, when implemented, can help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep, and improve your sleep quality. Having trouble falling asleep and staying asleep is not only frustrating but can also affect your mental and physical health.
Physical activity can improve sleep, although researchers aren’t entirely sure why.
What can I do to fall asleep quickly?
It sounds counterintuitive, but trying to stay awake may reduce your anxiety about falling asleep. Some nights it’s not easy to fall asleep quickly, and throwing yourself down, turning around and thinking about not sleeping only makes it worse. Daytime naps, particularly those lasting more than 2 hours, can also disrupt circadian rhythms. Because falling asleep is an involuntary process, taking your mind off the task at hand can give your brain the break it needs to stop counting sheep.
If you regularly take longer to fall asleep, or if you are taking medication or are worried about sleep, see your doctor.