November 10th

By Mutt Mulligan

3 ways spending time outside improves sleep

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) one in three Americans don’t get the recommended seven hours of sleep each night. Poor sleep habits, compounded by excessive screen time during the pandemic especially, can increase the risk of developing obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and mental health issues.

But spending time outside can improve sleep. Here’s how.

Natural light for night-night. Regular doses of bright natural light help us stay more alert during the day, elevate mood and make it easier to sleep at night. In fact, exposure to outdoor light early in the morning helps set internal clocks for a better, earlier night’s sleep.

Nature comforts. Spending time outside is a stress-reliever, offering comfort for anxious times and an escape from every day pressures. Scientists say it only takes 20 minutes outside to experience the healing benefits of nature.

Children exercise more outdoors. Exercise – with its endorphin release – is an effective way to promote good sleep. Turns out, it’s better for kids to play outdoors than indoors. The amount of time spent on moderate to vigorous physical activity in childcare settings increased from one percent indoors to 11 percent outdoors. Furthermore, when kids are left to their own devices to self-structure their outdoor play, the amount of time jumped to 17%.

Ready to get a good night’s sleep? Then head outside right now!

To learn more about the health benefits of spending time outside, go to TurfMutt.com.