People who face insomnia regularly struggle with getting a good night's rest. Some common symptoms of this include trouble with falling asleep, waking up throughout the night, and being unable to concentrate during your waking hours.

Insomnia that drags on for extended time periods can be quite debilitating, wreaking havoc on every aspect of a person's life. Sleep is critical to each individual's overall health, their mental and emotional states, and their ability to function in the world.

Today, medicines - and even cognitive behavioral therapy - are commonly used to help people beat insomnia. Though a new study from the BMJ Open journal shows that people facing sleep problems have another remedy at their disposal.

Exercising on a regular basis can help folks with insomnia

Just yesterday, BMJ Open revealed that physical activity strongly correlates with less vulnerability to insomnia and sleep-related problems. These findings come after a study tracked people across nine European nations, documenting their sleep and exercise habits.

As it turns out, individuals who exercised were 55% likelier to enjoy six to nine hours of sleep each night. The information from BMJ Open also aligns with previous research showing that exercise can deter insomnia.

Put simply, people who get regular physical activity typically enjoy a better quality of rest. This, in turn, makes them more equipped to concentrate, make decisions, and otherwise navigate the world during their waking hours.

How to make exercise a regular part of your life

Despite the well-documented benefits of exercise, not everyone is used to regular physical activity. There's a common misconception that sweaty, three-hour gym sessions are the only path to getting your body moving. In actuality, exercise is attainable for virtually everyone.

If you'd like to make physical activity a regular part of your life, you can get started with moderate levels. Going for a walk on the trails at your neighborhood park, swimming, or even playing tennis are each great ways to introduce yourself to exercise.

Over time, you might consider taking a yoga, pilates, or Zumba class at a nearby gym. Getting physical activity in alongside others can increase morale and make it feel like less of a chore.