Does better sleep give you better workouts - or is it the other way around?

Do you find yourself reaching for a second, third, or fourth cup of coffee in the morning (or afternoon)? Do you want to throw your alarm clock out of the window? And yet… are you staring at the ceiling wishing for sleep every night? 

You’re not alone! In the United States, about one third (yikes!) of people don’t get enough sleep. Why is sleep so important? It supports a huge range of vital functions in our bodies, including brain health, cardiac health, hormone health, mental health, weight management, and cognitive function. 

So what’s to be done? There are few small steps you can take to improve your sleep health, and you’ve probably heard a few of these before: 

1. Putting devices away an hour before bed. 

2. Prioritizing at least 6-8 hours of time to devote to sleep. 

3. Keeping bedrooms dark. 

4. Listening to calming music or audiobooks to help slow down your mind. 

5. Keeping bedroom temperatures lower. 

But what about the relationship between sleep and exercise? Good news! Regular physical activity improves sleep quality and eases symptoms of sleep disorders. Regular exercise increases the natural production of melatonin, lowers stress levels, and improves mood. When you begin an exercise routine, a positive feedback loop develops with better sleep, leading to more energy for your workouts (and life!). 

While it has been shown that exercise is beneficial for sleep, there are differing opinions as to the ideal timing of exercise relative to your sleep schedule. The general consensus among physicians is that every individual will need to do some trial and error to figure out the best time for them. Some people are natural early risers, while others do better later in the evening. 

Aerobic exercise releases endorphins, which can cause some people to stay awake - so if you find that exercising later in the evening keeps you awake, try exercising earlier in the day. 

Exercise also raises your body’s core temperature, which, as it cools down, can lead to increased sleepiness. 

The takeaway? A regular exercise routine contributes to better sleep, which in turn contributes to better health. 

Ready to try a workout at RiseUp and start sleeping better? Try a free class here!