Want Better Sleep? Try This Type of Sport
Sleep | Credit: Canva
Want better sleep? This is the type of sport you should try. C14 Desk, 4 minutes ago, 0 0
A new study involving hundreds of participants found that team sports significantly improve sleep quality. The findings showed that sports such as soccer, handball and Zumba led to longer sleep and falling asleep faster, while the social aspect of the activity reduces stress and provides a sense of belonging, both essential for restful sleep.
A new and groundbreaking study examined the link between team sports and sleep quality, and found that the key to better sleep lies דווקא in shared activity. The systematic review included 11 different studies and 809 participants, from teenagers to adults in their sixties, and included both amateur and professional athletes.
Volleyball. Illustration | Photo: Shutterstock
The study found that sports such as soccer, handball, volleyball and group fitness classes like Zumba led to significant improvements in sleep quality. Participants reported longer sleep, falling asleep faster and better overall sleep quality. By contrast, basketball showed mixed results, with benefits for college players but no similar improvements among elite athletes.
The researchers explain that beyond the physical benefits of exercise, the social aspect of team sports is the key to better sleep. Playing as part of a team provides a sense of responsibility, belonging and a mood boost that comes from shared physical effort. All of these help reduce mental stress and "mental noise", which often prevent calm, deep sleep.
Photo: Yossi Aloni, Flash 90
It is important to note that especially intense training has sometimes been linked to poorer sleep, mainly among elite athletes. For most people, the key is regular, moderate participation in activity, rather than pushing to the limit. This can be done through amateur leagues, group fitness classes or neighborhood games, without any special skills.
Sleep quality, soccer, volleyball, physical fitness, research, sports
