Sleep and working out

Posts: 515
2/12/13 12:27 P

You DEFINITELY need to address your insomnia. Adequate sleep is essential for cognitive function, energy, overall health & well-being, and as most on SP are aware it's also important to prevent additional weight gain.

I'd suggest limiting caffeine and alcohol intake and making sure your room is cool, as lower temps promote sleep. Try a routine about an hour before bed- dim the lights, turn off electronics, have a cup of hot herbal tea. Spray lavendar on your pillow. Listen to some soothing music. If you find you still need physical activity, yoga before bed would be ideal. Ultimately though, you'll want to see a doctor. CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) is a very effective treatment.

And NO, you should not exercise when you haven't had enough sleep! You could seriously injure yourself this way.

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2/10/13 8:06 A

How about an active rest day. I do those and it keeps me fresh. It's not a gym or DVD day, but maybe a walk, gardening, housecleaning, ROTC. Just to keep you moving.

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2/10/13 7:45 A

I have worked out after a night of no or very little (1-2 hours) sleep. The only thing I wouldn't do is lift heavy, you need to be focused and concentrated to avoid injury. Cardio is pretty brainless.

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2/10/13 7:33 A

I think adding in a 7th day of working out is ultimately going to be up to you. If you feel that it definitely is the culprit with you not sleeping then I would do it. Also, have you tried getting sleeping meds from your doctor? I have severe insomnia as a result of a mental health condition. I've been on Ambien for 5 years. It's amazing. Without the help of Ambien I don't sleep. As for working out when you haven't slept, I'm not sure about how that will affect your body. I would think that if you are exhausted you will not be able to give it your all. I don't think there are any other repercussions though. Good luck to you.

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2/10/13 2:24 A

I've struggled quite a bit with insomnia, but since I started working out more it's become considerably less of a problem. Now, however, I am faced with a somewhat different but still related issue: I have given myself one day a week off working out (Saturdays), and on these days I can't seem to go to sleep. Today is Sunday (yay being in Norway), it's nearly 8.30 AM and I haven't slept a whiff since 10 AM yesterday.

At this point I am wondering if the reason why I have so much trouble sleeping on my days off working out is that my body just isn't tired enough to realize it needs rest, and if that means I should just start working out 7 days a week instead of 6. I did walk for about 20 minutes yesterday, but that doesn't seem to be enough to settle down my body. Help?

Also: Is it dangerous to go to the gym when you haven't slept (well) the night before? I feel fine and I am used to sleepless nights...but I don't want to hurt my body by pushing it beyond its limits.

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