Regular sport helps improve sleep pattern

REGULAR exercise has been found to improve sleep quality, according to sleep health specialists.

In a bidirectional relationship, good sleep makes it easier to exercise, and regular exercise appears to improve sleep. However, it can be difficult to exercise when you are not sleeping well. Sleep health specialist, Dr Moira Junge, recommends that exposing oneself to natural sunlight every morning can help reset the sleep-wake cycle.

Another factor that affects sleep is bodyweight. Maintaining a healthy bodyweight can help lower the risk of obstructive sleep apnea.

“suggesting that being physically active at any time in adulthood, even if participating as little as once per month, is linked with higher cognition,” write the researchers.

But the strongest association was observed for sustained cumulative physical activity and later life cognition, and for those who were most physically active at all ages.

The positive association between cumulative physical activity and later life cognitive performance was partly explained by childhood cognition, socioeconomic position, and education. However, the researchers acknowledge that this is an observational study and cannot establish cause.

Furthermore, the study included only white participants and had a disproportionately high attrition rate among those who were socially disadvantaged.

No information was available on exercise intensity, duration, or adherence either.

Nevertheless, the researchers conclude that their findings support guidelines to recommend participation in any physical activity across adulthood.

They also provide evidence that encouraging inactive adults to be more active at any time, and encouraging already active adults to maintain activity, could confer benefits on later life cognition.

Experts used to warn against exercising before sleep, but there is now evidence to suggest that high-intensity, latenight exercise is fine as long as there is a two-hour wind-down period before sleep. Short bursts of high-quality, highintensity activity such as taking the stairs instead of the lift or jogging while children play can help increase daily movement. Additionally, it’s important to find an exercise routine that you enjoy and that fits into your lifestyle, as this can help to increase motivation and adherence. Dr Junge suggests trying different types of physical activity, such as swimming, yoga, or team sports, to find what works best for you. By incorporating regular physical activity into your routine, you may find yourself sleeping better and feeling more energised throughout the day.

Introducing Dr Tayebi

Dr Mali Tayebi, Female GP, speaks English and Farsi. She graduated with a Doctor of Medicine in 2014 and worked as a GP both overseas and in Australia.

Dr Mali has worked at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital for the past 3 years and advanced her knowledge in surgical specialties and emergency medicine.

Dr Mali has a great interest in art and painting, she enjoys exploring nature with hiking and scuba diving.

Dr Mali is available for appointments Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Areas of interest are Dermatology, Minor surgical procedures and skin cancer, contraception, sexual and Women’s health.