Many people think that exercising before bedtime keeps us alert and affects sleep quality. But this is completely the opposite. According to researchers at ETH Zurich, you will actually fall into a deeper sleep if you engage in some physical activity beforehand.
In fact, about 3% of people believe they will not sleep well when exercising in the evening. If you belong to this 3%, try to schedule your workout before bedtime about 3-4 hours. During this time, the body parts affected by exercise will return to normal levels and will not affect your sleep.
Moreover, there is no evidence that exercise has a negative impact on sleep quality. However, it is best to stay away from high-intensity intermittent exercises (also known as high-intensity interval training, HIIT).
Promotes deeper, more restful sleep
Exercising before bedtime helps you achieve a deeper and more restful sleepIdeal for busy individuals who lack time for evening workouts, exercising before bedtime is incredibly beneficial for our health. Testosterone and cortisol levels are optimal in the evening for muscle development. While these levels are higher in the morning, the muscle-building effects peak in the evening. Therefore, focusing on gentle exercises or running yields the highest effectiveness.
Exercising before bedtime helps shape your muscles sooner
Illustrative ImageEngaging in physical exercise before bedtime can significantly enhance workout performance.
Skipping a day of exercise may spur greater determination for evening workouts. Children are also notably active before bedtime due to increased body temperature between 2 pm and 6 pm. Consequently, individuals tend to exert more effort and energy during evening workouts.
Running enthusiasts should consider nighttime jogging. Research suggests that running in darkness without distractions can improve speed and agility. Moreover, evening exercises warm up the body, enhancing flexibility and muscle endurance.
Boost workout effectivenessEnhance nutrient absorption
Consuming dinner too late can lead to excess fat accumulation and inefficient food digestion. Engaging in exercise before bedtime helps improve fat burning. Additionally, evening exercise promotes efficient protein absorption while you sleep.
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Illustrative portrayal enhances nutrient absorption for the body5. Stress relief after a day
After a long day of work and study, daytime emotions and thoughts can impact sleep quality. In such cases, engaging in gentle exercises like yoga to wind down at the end of the day is an ideal choice. Relaxing the mind and body, combined with gentle breathing exercises, will make you feel more comfortable to enjoy the final moments of the day.
Engage in yoga before bedtime to relieve stress after a hard day of work
Illustrative depiction6. Aiding Weight Loss
Many wonder whether exercising before bedtime contributes to weight loss. According to an article in the journal Experimental Physiology, exercising at the end of the day can reduce levels of the hunger-stimulating hormone ghrelin. This habit can help you manage or reduce your weight.
Exercising before bedtime is an excellent method for effective weight loss
Exercising before bedtime is an extremely effective weight loss method