Have you ever felt that you got a better night’s rest after spending the whole day in the garden? It turns out that you might not just be imagining it. As a matter of fact, there is evidence that backs up this claim.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine have found that physical activities are incomparable when it comes to improving sleep habits. Yes, this includes gardening.
Even though previous research showed that poor sleep can stem from a sedentary lifestyle, this study reveals that simple exercise leads to enhanced sleeping habits. More importantly, these effects work even better when you do something purposeful.
Gardening is a hobby that is more meaningful than others. After all, this involves the responsibility of a living thing. Being surrounded by all the tastes and smells and textures offered by plants of all kinds can also make you feel more energized and alive.
There is something beautiful about the calming sounds of the great outdoors. They help in the reduction of stress, which might be one of the reasons you can’t sleep at night. It is said that cortisol, a stress hormone, goes down after spending about half an hour in a garden.
Of course, we cannot discount the effects of fresh air either. Good air quality results in better brain function. When your mind is calm and quiet, you can sleep better.
The Mental Health Foundation published a report that reveals how only a little more than a third of survey respondents were “good sleepers.” On the other extreme, around a similar number of people reported possibly suffering from chronic insomnia.
We highly recommend spending at least 30 minutes in the garden every day. This will be enough to enjoy vitamin D, fresh air, and physical exercise. These are things that are guaranteed to improve your mood and relieve stress, ultimately allowing you to sleep better at night. Even when you have no sleeping problems, you will still get a lot out of digging a flower bed, pruning some shrubs, and doing a little weeding!
