Nature provides an unlimited supply of health benefits including a good night's sleep. According to a new study, spending time with nature actually helps a person sleep soundly.
The Huffington Post reports that a study on how environment affects a person's sleep was conducted by a team of researchers led by University of Illinois community health professor Diana Grigsby-Toussaint. Results show that those who live near parks, gardens, grassy lawns, hills, mountains, lakes, rivers, and the beach were less likely to experience trouble sleeping.
People tend to have a horrible day after not having enough sleep. In fact, according to the study's lead author, "inadequate sleep is associated with declines in mental and physical health, reduced cognitive function, and increased obesity."
"This new study shows that exposure to a natural environment may help people get the sleep they need," Grigsby-Toussaint stated.
On how nature affects your sleep, study says people who live in a natural environment tend to engage in moderate physical activities such as walking and hiking. Light exercises apparently help a person sleep better. A good nature trip also reduces stress and anxiety - some of the major factors why people experience insomnia. Further, spending longer times outdoors aligns your body clock to the natural day and night time. Spending time outside during the night strengthens melatonin signals that activate a person's feeling of sleepiness.
Although this could help people who are having a hard time falling asleep, not everybody, however, is lucky to live near these natural spaces.
"Specifically, our results provide an incentive for nursing homes and communities with many retired residents," Grisgsby-Toussaint explained. Research suggests these communities to design their buildings "with more lighting, create nature trails and dedicated garden spaces, and provide safe outdoor areas that encourage outdoor activity for men and women."
This study will be published in the September issue of the journal Preventive Medicine.
