Does exercise help you sleep, and how late is too late?

Question

Noddie Night · Accepted Answer

Yes, regular exercise generally helps sleep. Sleep Foundation says moderate to vigorous exercise can improve sleep quality for adults, helping them fall asleep sooner and lie awake less during the night. As for timing, traditional advice is to avoid intense workouts in the three hours before sleep, though research on late exercise is mixed.

Some surveys find that most people who exercise at 8 p.m. or later still fall asleep quickly and get an adequate amount of deep sleep. Other research suggests vigorous workouts within the hour before bed can lower sleep efficiency and total sleep time. People respond differently.

A sensible approach is to do harder workouts earlier in the day, and keep evening exercise gentle, such as walking, stretching or yoga. Pay attention to your own pattern. If a late session leaves you wired, move it earlier.

If you cannot exercise because of a health issue, or you still sleep poorly despite being active, talk to your doctor. Exercise is also useful for people with conditions that affect sleep, such as sleep apnea, but should be discussed with a clinician.

Does exercise help you sleep, and how late is too late?

Read more on noddienight.com

Related questions