sleep or exercise?

skinnyjeanzbound

Which is more important for weight loss?

I have an appt. to go give blood tomorrow morning. I usually go to the gym on Saturdays, bit I will have to get up pretty early to go before the appt. This means giving up sleep of which I already get precious little.

One of my goals, along with eating better and exercising, is to try to get more sleep. I'm a night person and have some insomnia issues already. I used to only get about 5-6 hrs.per night. I've done a pretty good job of upping that to 6-7 during the week and a solid 8-9 on weekends. I'm woriied if I cut back and try to go for an early morning workout I will A) not get a very good workout anyway b/c I'm used to working out in the afternoon, and take two steps back in my efforts to fight the insomnia and regulate my sleep patterns.

Thoughts and advice?

WifeMomDVM

If you have time to exercise in the afternoon, then I would def. try to get more sleep! If not... that's a toughie. You may just have to MAKE time or make yourself go to bed earlier, or talk to your doctor about a sleep aid to help with insomnia.

funluvsweetness

Adequate sleep is VERY important. I know if I don't get enough and push myself to workout, it usually bites me in the butt and I either get more off track or end up sick. I struggle with sleep issues too, so I understand what you are going through. Another factor to consider... have you worked out immediately prior to giving blood before? Make sure you are hydrated, or that could be a not-so-nice experience as well.

kbanzhaf

My best advice would be to take the day off tomorrow from exercise. Whenever I have given blood, they tell me to drink plenty of fluids after, but not to do anything strenuous. Perhaps a walk or something, but I certainly wouldn't hit the gym hardcore tomorrow.
Kaye

KLo924

Yeeah - do you work out a lot? I"d just take the day off, I think, or take a nice, leisurely, enjoyable walk You don't want to have your sugars too low before donating blood, and you definitely shouldn't work out too close to after. You're doing an amazing thing giving blood - maybe just take a rest day!

devodev44

I hate having to make the choice between exercising and sleep and quite honestly, I often choose exercising. However, more and more research is coming out showing how vital sleep really is for us. I'd say get the rest, especially if you normally have a hard time sleeping. If you're in a good pattern right now, try to stay there.

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skinnyjeanzbound

Thanks for the feedback. I wouldn't even consider a serious workout after giving blood, but hadn't thought about funluv's point about dehydration if I work out beforehand.

@kris--I try to get some form of exercise in everyday, but I usually can only get to the gym one weekday and on the weekends. Think I will take your advice and take my dog for an extra-long walk.

Yay sleep!!

mkennedym

6-8 hours a night is fine. as long as you get that you should be able to function.