The Best Time to Exercise for Better Sleep
Exercising regularly is important for overall wellbeing, energy levels, and mental health, but it can also help improve sleep. If you struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night, finding the best time to exercise for better sleep could be the key to a good night’s rest.
Exercising during the day can help increase energy levels, and it can also help tire your body out enough to make it easier to fall asleep later at night. If you’re someone who has difficulty falling asleep due to anxiety or stress, exercising can help to not only relax you physically, but mentally as well.
Finding the best time to exercise for better sleep is important for making sure that your body is ready for a deeper and more restful sleep. The ideal time to exercise for optimal sleep is sometime in the late afternoon, to give your body enough time to cool down and get into sleep mode.
Benefits of Exercising in the Afternoon
Exercising in the late afternoon has been found to be the optimal time to help improve sleep. It’s important to give your body time to cool down and relax before trying to fall asleep. If you have trouble falling asleep at night, exercises like walking or stretching can help release tension and fatigue in the body, which in turn can help you fall asleep easier at night.
Regular exercising can also help to reduce feelings of stress or anxiety, which can be disruptive to sleep. Research has found that exercising helps to reduce levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. This helps to calm your body and mind, which in turn can help you relax and drift off to sleep easier.
Tips for Exercise and Sleep
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when trying to improve your sleep with exercise:
1. Try not to exercise right before your bedtime. Give your body at least an hour or so before trying to go to sleep to calm down properly.
2. Find an exercise routine or activity that you can enjoy, so it’s easier to commit to regularly. Whether it’s walking, running, yoga, or pilates, find something that you enjoy that works for you.
3. Make sure to give your body enough time to cool down before bed. If you’re feeling energized, a nice warm bath or shower can help you relax and cool your body down properly.
Types of Exercise for Better Sleep
- Yoga
- Gentle Stretching
- Walking
- Pilates
- Tai Chi
- Light Weights
To get the best sleep possible, try to find the right type of exercise for your body and lifestyle. Exercise can help to reduce stress, relax the body, and prepare you for a deeper and more restful sleep.
Conclusion
Exercise is a great way to improve sleep quality, and the best time to do it for optimal sleep is in the late afternoon. To get the most out of it, find an activity that you enjoy and that works for you. Making exercise a regular part of your routine can help to reduce stress, relax your body, and boost energy levels, leading to better sleep overall.