Top Exercises for Getting the Best Sleep
In this concise video, board‑certified neurologist Dr. David Perlmutter presents findings from a recent BMJ Evidence‑Based Medicine study involving about 1,300 participants. The study examined which types of physical activity were most strongly associated with improved sleep quality. Dr. Perlmutter explains that gentler forms of exercise—specifically yoga and, to a slightly lesser extent, tai chi—showed the greatest sleep benefits. Frequent yoga practitioners reported up to a two‑hour increase in quality sleep compared with other exercise modalities. While acknowledging that strength and endurance training are valuable for overall health, he emphasizes that, for sleep, gentler activities appear superior. He concludes by underscoring sleep’s critical role for brain health, mood regulation, and metabolic function, suggesting that incorporating yoga or tai chi may be a practical strategy for better rest.
