Resistance training — weight machines, free weights, cables, etc. — may be better at generating quality sleep than aerobic exercise, according to a new study presented [recently] at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology and Prevention, Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health Conference 2022 in Chicago.
In addition, as a nice secondary benefit, better sleep is important for good cardiovascular health.
“It is increasingly recognized that getting enough sleep, particularly high quality sleep, is important for health, including cardiovascular health. Unfortunately, more than a third of Americans don’t get enough sleep on a regular basis,” said Angelique Brellenthin, PhD, the study’s author and an assistant professor of kinesiology at Iowa State University.
“Aerobic activity is often recommended to improve sleep, yet very little is known about the effects of resistance exercise versus aerobic exercise on sleep,” Brellenthin said in a press release.
Related on the SLP
DJ Mazzoni, a certified strength and conditioning specialist who also serves as the medical reviewer at Illuminate Health, told Healthline that resistance training builds lean muscle mass, which can increase overall metabolic rate.
The resulting muscle fatigue and the body’s recovery process lead to better sleep.
