But as a person with a day job, I have an ideal time interval that I would like to turn off the lights, and waiting for my eyes to close by itself is not always adapted to that schedule. So I looked for something that would get me to that really tired place (without sleep deprivation). And the magic key has become to be exercise.
I can figure out for myself what many studies have tried: That physical activity positively influences people’s ability to sleep, and also their quality of sleep.
“When we are active, we find that it leads to a more consistent and better sleep routine – longer, deeper, more refreshing – through the use of additional energy and the release of hormones that exercise causes” , he says. Tess Barringera coach in the personal training app Future Fitness.
There is actually a feedback loop between exercise and sleep that benefits both endeavors. Better sleep leads to more energy, which allows for a better workout. The best workouts can promote sleep, which also promotes recovery, making you able to crush your gym session the next day.
“Exercise and sleep go hand in hand,” says Barringer.
While you can get pro-sleep benefits from any activity that gets you moving, there are actually ways to specifically plan a weekly workout routine to promote better sleep. A recent study suggests that resistance training can improve sleep duration, while a combination of resistance training and aerobic exercise improves sleep efficiency (the amount of time you spend in bed before falling asleep). And Johns Hopkins Center for Sleep reports that at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise can lead to better quality sleep that night.
However, Barringer notes that creating a workout routine for better sleep is a personal endeavor that requires you to figure out what works for you. Especially because the time of day your exercise can make a big difference in how the activity affects the sleep cycle.
If you like to work at night…
For those who like to exercise in the evening, it is better to skip it vigorous HIIT sessions or other intense workouts, and instead of doing moderate physical activity, which “could help with the release of adenosinethe chemical that encourages us to sleep, and also above us for the energetic day, “says Barringer. Aim for about 20 to 30 minutes a day of this type of activity, for CDC recommendations. And take it in at least three hours before you hit the hay so you have time to come down from the endorphin rush.
If you are a morning exerciser…
“If mornings are your jam, research suggests that vigorous activity (unable to talk, more focused on catching your breath) could help burn off the extra energy that keeps you awake at night, while charging you up mentally for your day,” Barringer. he says Since the CDC recommends 75 minutes of vigorous cardiovascular activity per week, Barringer notes that this “is often sustainable in smaller bouts several times throughout your week.”
Make your workout routine work for you
You should also take into consideration other types of personal preference, such as focusing on moderate or vigorous activity that actually. as well as to do. From there, “include 30 minutes of strength training in that routine to help take your sleep to the next level,” says Barringer. She gives the weekly example of “three 10-minute moderate-intensity walks throughout the day, and a 30-minute resistance/strength session five days a week.” A plan that ticks off the boxes for better sleep quality, duration and efficiency.
In general, the best course of action is to experiment, and then to see what kind of routine actually sticks. Working with a personal trainer, like Barringer at Future, could help you make sense of it all.
“Just because the data suggests one thing, doesn’t mean it’s right for you or your unique beautiful life,” says Barringer. “Sometimes any activity is better than no activity to support a healthy lifestyle and unlock new routines.” Good lifts, and sweet dreams!
A good wind at night can also be helpful. Try this sleep stretch: