Skip the Hard Workouts Before Bedtime

exercise-sleep-quality

Quick Win

If you prefer evening exercise, no sweat — just wrap things up at least 60 minutes before bedtime for a good night’s sleep.

Try this today

• Adjust your schedule. Have a heart-pumping workout planned? Try doing it in the morning or early afternoon and note whether the change improves your sleep.
• Ease up a little. If you’re a fan of evening workouts, opt for gentler options like walking or yoga.
• Watch the clock. You don’t have to change your workout routine if you don’t want to — just be sure to finish all vigorous exercise at least one hour before bedtime.

Why

Regular exercise helps promote good sleep, according to AARP’s Global Council on Brain Health report “The Brain-Sleep Connection,” but timing is everything. According to a systematic review of 23 studies, published in 2018 in Sports Medicine, exercising vigorously an hour or less before bedtime can interfere with sleep, in part by raising your body temperature.