Dr. George L. Dixon - "Talking Fitness"

Exercise to Sleep

Staying active during the day invites your body to the natural rest that all animals require. For better sleeping, do any aerobic exercising at least two hours before bedtime, because it is too stimulating to let you sleep immediately afterward. There are certain exceptions. Try simple stretching to relax your parts. Use your bed for sleeping or making love. Read or watch ?TV from a couch or chair. A quiet time before bed is very helpful (just as you told the kids, remember?)

If you wake up ans toss a bit, get up out of bed and sit and read or listen to soft music. If your "dozens of problems" keep whirling in your head, write them down in order of importance. You will probably find that they become fewer, maybe even smaller. Milk contains calcium and tryptophan, natural substances that may cause sleepiness.

Are you getting enough sleep? One of the most serious problems in America is chronic "sleep debt": you have it when you are half-asleep at night and half-awake all day. Most humans need seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Most experts say to avoid naps, but 10-15 minutes spent in relaxation twice daily can be very restful. The best way to get more sleep is to go to be earlier.

There is a natural "high" in humans which begins about 11 o’clock at night before this ‘high’ or welcome it and use it.

An increase in your daytime activity/exercise so as to use an extra 200+ calories is the thing most likely to lead to better sleeping.

More help is available in "Exercise a la Carte", here, at your bookstore or call 800-624-4952.