Tidbits to improve your fitness levels and well-being
Nighttime exercise has the potential to provide a better night of sleep or keep you awake. It all depends on how it’s done.
Vigorous exercise right before bed can get in the way of sleep. The post-workout rush creates a sense of alertness. Elevated heart rate, higher core body temperature, and the release of endorphins all signal to the body that it’s time to wake up. Sore muscles resulting from an intense session may also keep you up.
If you suffer from insomnia, or find it challenging to get a good night’s sleep, you may want to consider modifying your nighttime exercise routine. In order to prevent any disruption to your sleep, try not to exercise after 8 p.m. If that’s difficult, make sure your workout ends at least an hour before you plan to head to bed.
Even better is to tailor a nighttime workout that actually contributes to a better night of sleep. Several studies prove that exercising before bed helped people fall asleep faster, sleep more deeply, and stay asleep longer. The key is to choose exercise that improves sleep. Aim for shorter, less intense sessions. Moderate aerobics, which has been proven to lead to deeper sleep, is an excellent choice. Light strength exercise is another good option, as is yoga. These exercises allow the body to decompress, and also stabilize mood, both which lead to better sleep.
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