and Health
As women enter menopause, many start to experience significant changes in their sleeping patterns. Insomnia during menopause is a common symptom, with many women feeling more fatigue, having more trouble falling asleep, and feeling sleepier during the day. While there are a variety of treatments available, exercise is an excellent tool for managing menopausal insomnia, allowing women to improve their overall health at the same time.
The Benefits of Exercise
Exercising regularly helps improve our sleep quality, reduce fatigue, and improve cognitive function. Regular exercise promotes healthy hormone balance and helps our bodies adapt to the changes of menopause, enabling us to better cope with these changes.
By raising the heart rate and releasing endorphins, exercise helps us to relax the mind and reduce stress. Practicing yoga, for example, can be an especially beneficial activity for insomnia caused by menopause, as it helps to reduce tension and promotes relaxation.
Getting Started
When beginning an exercise routine, it’s important to start slow and find a workout that works for you. Cardio activities, such as walking, biking, and swimming, offer a great way to get the heart rate up and help to reduce stress. Strength training is also beneficial, as it can help promote healthy hormone balance.
It’s important to be mindful of the time of day you exercise. Working out too close to bedtime can be overstimulating, making it difficult to fall asleep. Conversely, exercising in the morning can help increase energy levels, making it easier to stay awake throughout the day.
The Takeaway
Exercise is an excellent way to manage insomnia during menopause, allowing women to improve their overall health at the same time. By finding an exercise routine that works for them, whether it be cardio or strength training, women can reduce stress, promote healthy hormone balance, and sleep better. However, it’s important to be mindful of the time of day you exercise, as working out too close to bedtime can be overstimulating.
