Grow Your Own ZZZs: How Gardening Can Help You Sleep Better

If counting sheep isn’t cutting it, you might want to try talking to plants instead. Recent research is beginning to make connections between gardening and sleep quality. If you suffer from sleep apnea, this could open a door to a new way to complement your treatment, leading to more restful nights. Keep reading to learn more about how this peaceful activity can help you grow your own ZZZs.

What Does the Research Say?

A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders looked at gardeners, comparing them to non-exercisers and people who exercised in other ways. Researchers sifted through responses from over 62,000 adults, looking at various sleep metrics.

The results were surprising—gardeners consistently reported fewer sleep complaints than both other groups. Even more interesting, the more time people spent gardening, the fewer sleep problems they reported. So, the more you grow, the more you benefit.

Why Does Gardening Help You Sleep?

Researchers pointed to several reasons why digging in the dirt translates to better rest:

• Physical Activity: Weeding, planting, and hauling soil engage multiple muscle groups and tire your body in a healthy, natural way, lending to deeper sleep cycles.
• Outdoor Exposure: Natural sunlight helps regulate your circadian rhythm, which is the biological clock that tells your body when to sleep and when to wake.
• Cortisol Reduction: Gardening has been shown to reduce cortisol, your body’s stress hormone. High cortisol keeps you in a low-level state of alertness, which can interfere with sleep.
• Mindfulness: Focusing on the task of gardening pulls your attention away from daily stress and mental clutter. This leaves you calmer and more ready for rest when the day winds down.

Is Gardening a Treatment for Sleep Apnea?

Gardening can be a fantastic addition to a sleep apnea treatment plan, but it can’t replace real, professional care. Dentists are trained to provide solutions like oral appliances to address sleep disorders at the root. As relaxing as tending plants can be, it can’t give you the same results on its own.

If you’re still waking up exhausted despite healthy habits, it may be time to explore your options. In the meantime, it’s still a good idea to keep developing your green thumb.

About the Practice

At Taylor Dental Care, Dr. Glenn and Dr. Michelle Taylor offer oral appliance treatment for patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. If you’re struggling with poor sleep, fatigue, or nighttime disruptions, this comfortable alternative to traditional CPAP machines can help. Call (801) 210-09508 to schedule a sleep apnea consultation with our talented team or visit our website to book online.