8 Stretches for a Healthy and Restful Night’s Sleep
For many people, staying healthy often only comes to mind once a problem arises. They eat more fruits and vegetables only once they catch a cold, or go to the doctor only once they’re ill. However, one of the most important parts of your health is the preventative measures you take. That means eating healthy food, remaining active, and getting enough sleep.
While regular exercise can help maintain your cardiovascular system and muscles, if you aren’t stretching along with that, you’re missing out on a major step. That’s because tightness in muscles and ligaments can create weaknesses or imbalances that can predispose you to injury. Even if you aren’t regularly working out, you likely spend hours every day in one position, either at a desk, in a car, or otherwise seated. This reduces the blood flow to your legs and weakens your muscles. On top of this, you’re likely sitting in a way that causes your neck and shoulders to hunch and tense. Over time, you can develop pain in your upper back that’s hard to deal with. Stretching at throughout the day is a great way to release that muscular tension and improve blood flow.
The good news is that stretching is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to care for your body. It doesn’t take more than a few minutes a day, and it can help you wind down and relieve stress. A great time to add some flexibility to your day is when you’re getting ready for sleep. A stretching routine can help you relax and release the day’s worries, all while improving your health.
That’s why Sleep Advisor created this animated nighttime stretching routine. Their illustrations make it easy to follow along and benefit from reduced aches and pains, and a better night’s sleep. Check it out below!
