Having a hard time getting a good night’s sleep. Maybe you add a nature walk to your daily routine.

That’s the latest word from University of Illinois health scientists who have found that communing with nature — visiting a park, lake, or sandy beach — is linked to significantly better sleep quality in men and seniors, Medical News Today reports.

The study, published in the journal Preventive Medicine, tracked the experiences of 255,171 adults surveyed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sleep quality. They then compared the respondents’ answers to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture about the natural amenities in the vicinities of the respondents.

What the researchers found was that individuals living in areas with natural environments nearby tended to report poorer sleep quality. Specifically, those who reported having insufficient sleep on 21-29 days in the previous month had consistently lower odds of having access to natural amenities compared to those who reported insufficient sleep on one to six days.

"Studies show that inadequate sleep is associated with declines in mental and physical health, reduced cognitive function, and increased obesity," noted lead researcher Diana Grigsby-Toussaint, professor of kinesiology and community health.

She added that living near green spaces is linked to higher levels of physical activity, and this in turn could result in better quality sleep.

"Our results provide an incentive for nursing homes and communities with many retired residents to design buildings with more lighting, create nature trails and dedicated garden spaces, and provide safe outdoor areas that encourage outdoor activity for men and women," she added.