Exercise is great for sleep, but timing is everything. Do you find certain workout times enhance or hinder your sleep? Share your experiences, especially with intense workouts close to bedtime.
Morning workouts are my sweet spot. They energize me for the day and I feel naturally tired by evening. If I do anything too intense after 6 PM, I struggle to wind down.
I agree with @HealthExplorer. Evenings are fine for lighter mobility work or stretching, but heavy lifting too late keeps my heart rate elevated and my mind too stimulated for sleep.
I cycle, so midday or early afternoon rides are ideal. A long ride too close to bedtime often results in restless legs and an overstimulated system. It's a fine balance.
Gentle yoga or stretching in the evening can be beneficial, but anything that raises core body temperature significantly right before bed can disrupt sleep onset.
So it seems most agree that intense evening workouts are a no-go. What's the latest you'd typically work out and still expect good sleep?
I try to finish any intense activity at least 3-4 hours before I want to be asleep.
Same here. Gives my body time to cool down and my mind to de-stimulate.
I sometimes do very light recovery rides or walks up to 2 hours before bed, but that's it.
Good guidelines, everyone. Listen to your body and experiment!