Is This Habit Destroying Your Quality of Rest?

Is This Habit Destroying Your Rest?

(AscendHealthy.com) – A good night’s sleep is important in achieving good health. But it isn’t always easy to snooze soundly, especially if you’re engaging in activities that may keep you awake. Could this common habit be destroying your quality of rest?

Working Out Right Before Bed? Stop!

While working out is great, just prior to bedtime may not be the best time to add a fitness routine. At least one study has shown a correlation between late exercise and difficulty falling, and staying, asleep.

But why, exactly, is this the case? What is it about exercising so close to sleep that typically keeps you awake? There are a variety of factors at play. Primarily, exercise increases energy — but that’s only scratching the surface of this connection.

Here’s the real story.

Why Is Exercising At Night So Harmful?

Exercising at night can actually be beneficial and might aid you in achieving a good night’s sleep. But timing and intensity are important. Working out can naturally stimulate the heart rate and adrenaline levels; this can keep you awake. That’s the opposite of what you should be doing at sleep time.

If you choose to work out in the evening, be sure to allow at least 60 to 90 minutes in between physical activity and sleep. You should also avoid any high-intensity workouts to ensure your body isn’t too energized for rest.

Choosing Appropriate Evening Workouts

When trying to achieve a good night’s sleep, there are physical activities that may help. Others seem to have the opposite effect. Turn to low-intensity exercises the closer to bedtime you get. Some options that fit the bill include yoga, stretching, walking, leisure biking and swimming, or light weightlifting. Higher-intensity activities you may want to avoid include things like running, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), heavy weightlifting, lap swimming, jumping rope, and high-speed cycling.

Exercise benefits your sleep cycle if it’s done well before you go to bed at night. It may help to write down a schedule and stick to it as best you can. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best exercise and sleep routine for your individual needs. You and your care team can work together to find the best balance of activity to help you achieve a good night’s rest.

~Here’s to Your Healthy Ascension

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