Regular exercise tied to better sleep

For many people, a good night's sleep can be hard to find, but a new study suggests getting on the treadmill or digging out used soccer equipment could help. The results from an annual survey by the National Sleep Foundation found that people who exercised vigorously often reported a higher qualify of sleep than those who were more sedentary.

The poll looked at the sleep and exercise habits of 1,000 people and found that any amount of physical activity was tied to better sleep. For instance, of the 18 percent of respondents who got regular, vigorous exercise, only 17 percent said they experience a poor quality of sleep. Even the 48 percent who got only light exercise noted better sleep than those who didn't work out at all.

"If you are inactive, adding a 10-minute walk every day could improve your likelihood of a good night's sleep," said Dr. Max Hirshkowitz, who helped lead the study. 

Of course, better sleep is not the only benefit of regular exercise. Physical activity has been tied to a number of other important aspects of well-being. According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise can prevent depression and anxiety while also relieving stress.