Thursday, August 16, 2012

Exercise may help alleviate daytime effects of sleep apnea

A daily trip to the gym can help dampen the daytime misery due to sleep apnea, new research shows. A study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that a 12-week exercise program helped improve daytime functioning in a small sample of adults with sleep apnea.

The study randomly assigned 43 sedentary and overweight adults with untreated sleep apnea to an aerobic and resistance training program or a low-intensity stretching routine. Subjects in the training group ran on a treadmill for about 40 minutes a day, four days a week. The group also lifted weights twice a week. The exercises were designed to work each major muscle group, and included shoulder and chest press, row, leg and bicep curls and abdominal crunches.

After 12 weeks, the group that participated in the exercise program reported improved daytime functioning. They were less sleepy, less depressed and in a better overall mood. The results are promising, but due to a relatively small sample size further research is needed on the benefits of exercise for patients with untreated sleep apnea.

Even if you don't have sleep apnea, regular exercise can boost your energy, reduce your stress and improve your mood. Exercise can also help slow or prevent health conditions such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Some research has also suggested that it can help you sleep better.

Image by SashaW

3 comments:

Unknown said...

Depending on people's routine if exercising can help them sleep better or keep them awake. Sometime we just have to experiment, try it in the morning and see the results, then try exercising in the evening. As for me, i always love to do it in the morning, it makes me feel more energetic, but of course always make sure to get proper sleep every night. Let me share some tips on how we can achieve a good night sleep - http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/10/02/secrets-to-a-good-night-sleep.aspx

Unknown said...

i love working out. i started about 3 months ago and i noticed my energy going up about 2 weeks after. it helps with my performance at work, my overall mood, and gives me confidence. if you start to notice a difference in your body apperance... if you look good you feel good, which boosts your energetic mood. after a long day of all this i am ready for a good night of sleep... and i will sleep like a baby!

Unknown said...

going to the gym deffinently, no doubt helps with energy during he day and helps with sleep at night. if you work out it will build your confidence. if you look good you feel good. just by working out the past few months i have improved my performance at work, i dont feel as tired during the daytime, and i sleep better at night.

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