Gardening has a lot to offer. In addition to being a therapeutic way to spend the weekend, there is nothing like enjoying dinner with some fresh herbs that you grew yourself. However, gardening may be more beneficial than you even realize! It may even be able to improve your quality of sleep. Continue reading to learn more about the connection between gardening and sleep quality.
Modern Sleep Deprivation
In the world we live in today, there are a multitude of factors that negatively affect the quality of sleep, including the use of smartphones, laptops, and other blue-light-emitting electronics at night. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 3 adults reported not getting enough sleep each day. This can result in mood changes, increased risk of injury, daytime sleepiness, an impaired immune system, and more negative effects.
How Are Gardening & Sleep Connected?
Certain medications and sleep aids can provide temporary relief for people who struggle with insomnia, but they don’t get the root of the problem. Gardening offers a wide range of benefits that can actually benefit the quality of sleep you are getting during the night. Here are some of the excellent benefits of gardening and how they can help you achieve your much-needed rest:
- Physical Activity: Gardening is a form of exercise because it requires various physical movements. Anything that requires the use of multiple muscle groups, like digging, weeding, planting, and harvesting, contributes to your overall well-being. Exercise helps to tire out the body, leading to more restful sleep.
- Sunlight Exposure: Most of the time, gardening is done outdoors, increasing your exposure to sunlight. This is helpful for regulating your circadian rhythm – the body’s natural clock that dictates sleep patterns.
- Stress Reduction: Gardening can be a relaxing hobby. Tending to your plants, touching soil, and completing other gardening-related activities can reduce levels of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone.
- Sense of Accomplishment: Gardening produces visible results, which can boost self-esteem. Feeling great about your achievements during the day can ease your transition into sleep, leaving you with a more restful night.
Ultimately, gardening is much more than just making your yard look beautiful. It is an excellent way to wind down, get some movement and exercise, and improve the sleep you are getting at night. By getting better sleep, you can travel better throughout the day doing the things that you love.
About the Author
At Star Sleep & Wellness in Irving, we have a team of multiple board-certified sleep physicians as well as a licensed psychologist. It is our goal to help all of our patients to get the restful night of sleep they deserve. If you’re struggling to get the quality sleep you need throughout the night, we’d be happy to help. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (469) 331-9629.