The Benefits of Evening Workouts and Their Impact on Sleep

 

Life's pretty hectic, isn't it? Between work, family, and the latest binge-worthy show, squeezing in sleep and exercise can feel like solving a jigsaw puzzle. We all know that a good night's sleep and staying active are like the bread and butter of feeling awesome. But how do we juggle both when there's just so much to do?

For those who naturally wake up with the sun, a morning jog or yoga stretch is a fantastic way to kick-start the day. Imagine working out with the sunrise, getting those endorphins flowing, and then heading into your day with a clear mind. Marie-Pierre St-Onge, from Columbia University, says morning workouts are great because, well, you get them done and dusted. No last-minute meetings or dinner plans can get in the way.

But what about the rest of us, the night owls or those with jam-packed mornings? We often wonder: if I workout at night, will I just end up counting sheep, or worse, replaying my workout in my head instead of sleeping? 

Here's the deal: our buddy Michael Rogers from Wichita State University tells us that everyone's body works differently. If you can get that evening workout in and still have a bit of 'me-time' before hitting the sack, you're golden. 

Now, let’s dive into the science-y bit for a second. When we work out, our heart does this excited little dance, and our body heats up. Trent Yamamoto, a cool guy from the UC Fit Lab, says that this is why some believe that evening workouts might mess with our sleep. But, guess what? New research is turning that belief on its head. It seems that evening exercise might even help some people sleep like babies. And while there's always that one study, like one from 2019, that throws a curveball, most research assures us night workouts won’t turn us into sleep-deprived zombies.

So, here’s the scoop: Whether you're team sunrise or sunset, find what feels right for you. Keep moving, get those Zs, and remember - whether it's a morning jog or evening dance-off in your living room, it's all about feeling good and staying healthy. So, lace up those shoes or roll out that yoga mat and do your thing!