Gardening is no longer seen as just a hobby, in fact aside from the joy and accomplishment that can be achieved through nurturing plants and enjoying fresh flowers, recent findings from a study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders show that people who spend time gardening outdoors may have better quality sleep.
New data from leading bed retailers also reveals a huge spike amongst Brits for searches on how to improve sleep.
Up 160% in the last month alone, Brits are turning to google for advice on ways to improve their sleep in a bid to enhance their overall sleep quality.
With this in mind, experts at Bensons for Beds have explained why spending time in the garden can significantly improve your sleep quality, emphasising the importance of occasional outdoor activities for everyone.
- It’s a form of Therapy
Studies have proven it to be a largely successful form of therapy as spending time in green spaces can help to reduce our cortisol levels, a hormone typically associated with stress, which many of us seek to lower.
Gardening also involves physical activity, which inevitably promotes the release of endorphins. These endorphins play a crucial role in enhancing feelings of happiness and relaxation, which are conducive to achieving a better night’s sleep.
- Helps to cement our Circadian rhythm
Our wake-sleep cycles are somewhat influenced by nature’s rhythms. Consistent exposure to natural light throughout the day is essential for regulating our circadian rhythms.
Our circadian rhythms are our bodies’ internal clocks. It is our circadian rhythm that dictates when we feel awake, alert, and ready to attack the day; and also, when we feel sleepy and ready to climb into bed.
Given that spending time in the garden gives us exposure to natural light, it can also help to synchronise our internal clock, which can also help to promote better sleep quality at night.
- Stress Reliever
Gardening is actually seen as an effective form of mindfulness too. It encourages us to focus on the present moment, and in doing so we let go of our worries.
Digging into the soil, caring for plants, and nourishing them so that they can grow can be incredibly restorative for many of us. Gardening has been proven to help reduce feelings of anxiety which in turn can help us relax more easily too. By encouraging mindfulness and presence in the present moment, gardening can effectively contribute to achieving a more peaceful night’s sleep.
The Link Between Physical Activity and Sleep
Getting up and being a bit more active during the day is well-known when it comes to improving sleep quality. And gardening offers a fairly gentle yet effective way to be a bit more active every day.
From digging holes and planting bulbs and plants to weeding borders and watering pots, gardening involves a variety of movements. And every single one of them helps to get your body moving, thus promoting a better night’s sleep.
Get’s us better connected to Nature
Given the prevalence of today’s digital age, many of us are becoming more and more disconnected from the natural world. But gardening can fix that!
Gardening reconnects us – both physically and mentally – with nature. It can help us to build a better appreciation for the outdoor world that’s all around us.
What’s more, being better connected to nature has been shown to reduce stress and promote all those feelings of peace and contentment which are essential ingredients for anyone wanting to get a good night’s sleep.
Helps create a sanctuary in your Garden
Finally, gardening provides us with a unique opportunity to create a peaceful and stress-free outdoor space that is all our own. It’s about building our own outdoor sanctuary, providing an escape from the daily stresses and a place to unwind before bedtime.
By immersing ourselves in the beauty of nature surrounding us, we can create a personal outdoor space that helps us to relax which in turn promotes sleep.
For more sleep expertise, visit the Bensons for Beds Sleep Hub.
