Do you frequently snore at night or wake in the morning feeling more drained then when you nodded off the evening prior? If so, you might be suffering from sleep apnea. People with this disorder experience multiple episodes of interrupted breathing that prevents them from completing the sleep cycles necessary for true rest and rejuvenation.
There are many potential ways to improve your quality of sleep, but would you be surprised to learn that gardening may be among them? Continue reading to learn about 3 ways that developing a green thumb can potentially enhance your sleep!
Benefit #1: Physical Activity
Researchers have observed a correlation between gardening and sleep quality. In a recent study, they discovered that individuals who spent more time pursuing this hobby generally reported fewer nighttime complaints. This may be partly because, although people think of gardening as a gentle activity that doesn’t involve much physical exertion, that’s not always the case!
Whether you’re growing pretty flowers to please the eye or are hoping to have your own home-grown vegetables and spices to cook with, raising plants involves activities such as digging, weeding, planting, and harvesting. This requires the use of various major muscle groups from your arms and legs to your back and spine. This enhances cardiovascular strength and strengthens muscles, both of which are associated with better quality z’s.
Benefit #2: Exposure to Sunlight
Spending time outside in the garden increases your exposure to sunlight, which is essential for regulating your body’s natural circadian clock. Most people’s systems function on a roughly 24-hour cycle of sleep and wake patterns that regulate different systems, like hormone release, digestion, and body temperature. The ultraviolet rays of the sun decrease melatonin and promote wakefulness, signaling to your brain and body that it’s a time for increased activity.
Then, when the sun sets, the shift in light lets your body know it’s time to relax. The pineal gland releases more melatonin, which initiates rest by lowering your core temperature, easing your heart rate, and slowing your metabolism. Increased exposure to sunlight while gardening can help reset your system and regulate your sleep cycles.
Benefit #3: Stress Reduction
When your body or brain sense danger or feel stressed or anxious, it triggers your “fight or flight” response. This results in increased cortisol production, which keeps your body in a heightened state of alertness, which can prevent you from falling or staying asleep.
But did you know studies reveal that 30 minutes of gardening can significantly reduce cortisol levels? Working with soil and spending time in green spaces can increase feel-good hormones, like serotonin, which can act as an antidepressant and stress reliever. This, in turn, can help you drift off more easily at night.
If you’re unsure whether you’ve developed sleep apnea, you can learn more by scheduling a consultation with your dentist!
Meet the Author
Dr. Jennifer Sherwood Bragg is passionate about improving her patients’ lives by addressing underlying issues preventing them from getting a good night’s sleep. She earned her dental doctorate from the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry, and today, is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine in addition to participating with other prestigious organizations. Once you have an official diagnosis, she works with you to provide a customized treatment plan to help you rest peacefully. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (470) 281-9905.