Is exercise right before bed ok/bad?

susan1975 · 01-28-2014, 10:23 PM

I just can't make myself wake up any earlier than I already do to get the kids to school and myself off to work. None of us are morning people. My husband works from 3 pm-11 pm, so I am on my own with the kids for after school time. With homework, dinner, dishes, errands, baths, sports/clubs, and just spending time with the girls I am just not getting on the treadmill on a regular bases.

The kids go to bed at 8:30, so I very easily could do my treadmill walk at this time. But for some reason I am thinking it is not good to exercise then go to bed soon after. Is there any truth to this? I am in no way doing hard core running. It would be 30-60 minutes of brisk walking between 3 and 4 miles an hour.

This would leave me absolutely no excuse not to get my walk in everyday. My weight loss is stalling so I thought this would help to get that scale moving.

IanG · 01-28-2014, 10:31 PM

I cannot think of anything better than sleeping after exercise.

I sometimes take a quick nap after my weekend runs in the afternoon. Bliss.

CherryPie99 · 01-28-2014, 10:43 PM

For some people, exercise riles them up so it would prevent sleep. But if I t works for you there is absolutely no reason not to workout before bed!!

When is the best time to exercise? When you'll do it!!

Jen

susan1975 · 01-28-2014, 11:03 PM

I never thought I would say that I like to exercise, but I truly love getting on the treadmill. It is just so hard to find the time during my busy day. I don't know why I thought it was a bad idea to exercise before bed but I am glad to hear it should be fine. I feel so proud of myself when I get that hour walk in.

CherryPie99 · 01-28-2014, 11:13 PM

I wish I was the type of person who could jump out of bed and workout early, but it will NEVER happen. And yes, going to bed knowing you got a workout in is a fabulous feeling!!!

penmage · 01-28-2014, 11:13 PM

I generally work out at night, then shower and go right to bed. I sleep great, too. If exercise gives you too much energy to be able to sleep, do it earlier in the day. If you can exercise at night and still sleep okay, do what works best for you.

The important thing is that you're exercising, period!

deb813 · 01-29-2014, 07:37 AM

Right now I work out mornings and I'm so tired after!! Then I get all pumped in the evenings! I'm thinking I should change my routine to working out before I go to bed so I'll be exhausted afterwards and then pumped by morning lol!

fadedbluejeans · 01-29-2014, 09:22 AM

I am so not a morning person! I work out in the evenings, either right after work while my kid eats dinner or after she goes to bed. Doesn't bother my sleep at all.

ICUwishing · 02-14-2014, 10:15 AM

Working out at night does wind me up and cost me a solid night's sleep. It's only two nights a week and I catch it right back up the following night. I have had some improvement by taking a fairly high dose of slow-release melatonin, but it's just something I've had to accept due to life circumstances. Much as I hate to give up even ten minutes of glorious sleep, it was do it this way, or not do it at all.

Koshka · 02-14-2014, 04:44 PM

I often do the treadmill or an exercise video before bed and it doesn't bother me at all.

Palestrina · 02-15-2014, 12:29 PM

Go for it girl! You gotta do it when the time is right! Unfortunately for me if I exercise any time after 5pm I'm restless all night long so I can't do it. Same reason why I can't have coffee past 11am. If I do, I'm up all night dang it!!

Chubby mum · 02-16-2014, 08:18 AM

I have the same issue as you- DH starts early, I've got kids to get off to school and I'm always up feeding the baby. I frequently run at night and can always sleep. It's actually good because I have a lighter dinner (we eat pretty early, with the kids) and don't mindlessly snack afterwards.

imperialistic · 02-16-2014, 05:57 PM

Yeah, totally! The only problem I can see with it, is if you have trouble sleeping right after, but that's never been an issue for me. I like to get my workouts in an hour after breakfast but when I'm working or studying, the only time I can find is late night.

The important thing is to fit it in whenever you can

crispin · 02-17-2014, 08:48 PM

Susan, how's it working out for you?

I personally can finish exercising about an hour before bed and it not disturb my sleep at all. If anything, it helps me sleep more soundly. So if I owned a treadmill, I'd absolutely use it before bed. In fact, when I travel I often use the hotel's treadmill at like 11pm.