Did you know that working out regularly helps improve your sleep? It only makes sense that if you make your body tired, you’ll sleep better. In fact, some research shows that regular exercise has the same impact on your sleep as sleeping pills! But there’s some cool new info about exactly how workouts can improve your sleep. Read on to reveal the facts.
Workouts Facilitate Restorative Sleep
First, moderate aerobic exercise (cardio workouts like jogging, biking, the elliptical, most cardio classes, etc.) reduces stress and lifts your mood to help make it easier to fall asleep. But it goes deeper than that. It also can increase how much slow wave (aka “deep”) sleep you get at night – this is a super important stage of sleep because it’s when your body restores and rejuvenates. The best news is you don’t have to wait months for this effect to happen. According to sleep experts at Johns Hopkins,if you do a 30-minute cardio workout today, you’ll probably feel the results tonight!
But what if you prefer lifting weights, playing a sport, or doing yoga or HIIT training? As long as your heart rate is elevated during your workout, it really doesn’t matter. Of course, (and we may be biased!), but coming in for one of our workouts here at Method3 Fitness, is one of the best things you could ever do for your body. Our classes have the right mix of interval style strength work and cardio to help you achieve your goals without completely burning out by the end of the workout. Plus, they’re made for individuals at any level of fitness, from beginning to advanced.
Timing Matters
One last thing you should be mindful of is the timing of your workout. It shouldn’t be too close to bedtime, since your body might be too revved up to fall asleep. Try to finish your workout at least a few hours before bedtime. The cool down effect from your workout – as your body returns back to its normal state – might even help, since your body naturally drops its temperature as you fall asleep. The takeaway: heart-pumping workouts done at least a few hours before bedtime will help you sleep better and longer, and improve your body’s rest and recovery!
Now we’d love to hear from you. Do you work out? Have you noticed any difference in how you sleep the day of a workout versus other days? Let us know in the comments!
Stronger for Today,
The Method3 Fitness Team
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The Method3 Fitness blog is updated weekly. All content is designed to improve the way you move, eat, and think so you can achieve your goals and live stronger for today. Check back here each week and LIKE our Fan Page, to stay up to date on the latest tips, strategies and methods to get fit, lose fat, and build confidence. Ready to get started with us? Click here to get a free week of workouts!