The Effects of Exercise on Sleep
Submitted by New Jersey Snoring Solutions on Sat 02/23/2019 - 09:00
By now you are aware that exercise is important for a good night’s rest. Research shows that working out can improve overall quality of sleep, as well as help improve symptoms of certain sleep disorders, including insomnia and sleep apnea.
Here’s one thing that you may not be aware of: the time of day you choose to work out can impact your quality of sleep. Here, West Orange dentist and sleep apnea specialist Dr. Ivan Stein explains how long you should wait to sleep after exercising.
Sleep and Exercise
Exercise, especially cardio and aerobic exercise, stimulates the body and raises its temperature for about four to five hours. After that, the temperature decreases, causing the body to start shifting into sleep mode.
It’s important to note that exercise does not affect everyone in the same way. If you don’t have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep at night, then you may not need to tweak your workout schedule. However, experts recommend that individuals who do have difficulty falling asleep should avoid strenuous workouts in the late evening or immediately before bed. Instead, they should plan for a morning or late afternoon workout. Research shows that late afternoon workouts can help improve symptoms of insomnia.
Not all types of exercise are bad right before bedtime for individuals with sleep problems. Yoga or simple stretching alleviates stress and relaxes the body, making it easier to fall asleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, people with insomnia who practice yoga once a day are more likely to fall asleep faster and spend more time sleeping than those who don’t.
Schedule a Consultation with Our Sleep Apnea Specialist
If you have difficulty sleeping, you may have sleep apnea, insomnia or another sleep condition. Dr. Stein is a renowned West Orange sleep specialist who has helped countless individuals sleep better at night and live healthier. After evaluating your symptoms and determining the root of the problem, Dr. Stein can recommend the best treatment plan for your unique case. You can schedule a personal consultation by calling New Jersey Sleep Apnea Solutions at (855) WHY-SNORE or (855) 949-7667 today.