This is the single healthiest way to sleep better, according to science

And while many poor sleepers and those clinically diagnosed with insomnia disorder rely on effective (and oftentimes, expensive) sleeping pills, experts warn against the potential downsides of the drugs.

"Sleeping pills are extremely hazardous," Arizona State University sleep researcher Shawn Youngstedt told CNN. "They are as bad as smoking a pack of cigarettes a day. Not to mention they cause infections, falling and dementia in the elderly, and they lose their effectiveness after a few weeks."

» RELATED: VIDEO: 6 tips to help you sleep better

But there’s good news for insomniacs — more and more research shows simply exercising can reduce insomnia.

One study conducted by Rush University clinical psychologist Kelly Glazer Baron found older women suffering from insomnia saw significant results after exercising, including improved sleep, more energy and less depression, CNN reported.

» RELATED: 11 successful people who get by on hardly any sleep

Exercise is also beneficial for those suffering sleep apnea, a condition that causes people to temporarily stop breathing while they sleep, as well as those suffering with restless-leg syndrome, which causes the legs or other parts of the body to itch, burn or move involuntary, according to CNN.

Sleep deprivation is a serious issue and insufficient sleep has been linked to several chronic conditions and cardiovascular diseases in the past.

» RELATED: Can’t sleep at night? You could blame pollution, scientists say

A recent study found sleep deprivation may even cause the brain to eat itself.

So if you're having trouble getting sleep at night, put those pills away and try getting the CDC-recommended two and a half hours of exercise per week.

More at CNN.com.