Day 27 Sleep Tip

When should your exercise for optimal sleep? That is a common question. When do you like to exercise? Are you first thing in the morning person, lunch time break, evening, or whenever you can fit it in?

Some people may find that exercising close to bedtime seems to keep them up at night. Let's take a look at a couple of factors that may cause us to stay awake after exercising.

*Aerobic exercise causes the body to release endorphins. These chemicals can create a level of activity in the brain that keeps some people awake. These individuals should exercise at least 1 to 2 hours before going to bed, giving endorphin levels time to lower and time for you to wind down.

Exercise also raises your core body temperature. Just like taking a hot shower in the morning, the effect of exercise can wake you and cause you to be alert and ready to go. Elevation in core body temperature signals the body clock that it’s time to be awake. After about 30 to 90 minutes, the core body temperature starts to fall. The decline helps to facilitate sleepiness.

Despite these biological responses to exercise, other people find that the time of day they exercise doesn’t make a difference. No matter if you exercise early in the morning or at bedtime, you will get the benefits of optimal sleep.

You are the expert in your body. Listen and see what works best for you. The main goal is to move our bodies! I like to do a more rigorous work out during the day and then some simple stretches or a yummy yoga nidra before bed to calm my mind and body and get ready for sleep. Spoiler Alert–tomorrow I will share one of my favorite yoga nidra practices with you.

Here is a study on the intensity of exercise and when it takes place can effect sleep: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10503965/

As we get moving this week, incorporating our essential oils for optimal support is key. Here is an e-book for you. Let us know how you incorporate gifts of the earth into your movement routine.

I love taking walks outside and finding all sorts of wildlife.

I am a morning exercise person. My husband and I did the Joe Wicks one. Helps when you have an accountability partner.

I do walks and stretches when ever I have time

I prefer to exercise right away in the morning. Helps me to feel more alert and ready for my day!

I like to go in the morning. But also enjoy Yoga in the evening.

I walk on the treadmill for 20 minutes in the morning.
Evenings are busy with family & other activities.

I take my walks after I get off work at the end of the day.

I’m better doing exercises in the morning. I find it helps me with my level thru out the day.