Yoga is the best sleep aid, according to scientists.

Yoga – the best sleep aid: scientistsPracticing yoga can speed up the process of falling asleep and enhance , according to researchers from Harbin Sports University in China.
A meta-analysis of 30 randomized controlled trials revealed that regular high-intensity yoga sessions are more closely linked to improved sleep than walking, , combined exercises, aerobic workouts, or traditional Chinese practices like Qigong and Tai Chi.
The studies analyzed by the team were conducted in over a dozen countries, involving more than 2,500 participants of various age groups, all of whom reported sleep disturbances. After examining the data, the scientists found that intense half-hour yoga sessions twice a week are the most effective remedy for poor sleep.
Following yoga, the next most effective forms of physical activity were and strength exercises, which showed positive results in improving sleep within just 8 to 10 weeks, as reported by Science Alert.
Previous studies indicated that aerobic exercises or moderate-intensity workouts performed three times a week are the most effective for enhancing sleep quality. The authors of the new study noted that yoga is difficult to categorize strictly as aerobic or anaerobic exercise, and its intensity can vary depending on the techniques used. These differences may explain the varying results observed in different studies.
Woman practicing yoga on a bed
Scientists have yet to definitively explain why yoga is particularly beneficial for falling asleep and improving sleep quality, but they have proposed several theories.
Yoga not only increases heart rate and stimulates muscles but also regulates breathing. Researchers know that controlling breath can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for relaxation and digestion.
The researchers also suggested that yoga may regulate brain wave activity patterns, which could contribute to deeper sleep.
Every body and mind is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution for overcoming and other sleep disorders. However, yoga stands out as one of the most accessible and effective options.
The findings of the study were published in the journal Sleep and Biological Rhythms.
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