Unable to sleep! Overtraining or bad exercise scheduling?

gazerofthestars

Hello MFPers!

I've always been a bit of an insomniac, getting only 6-7 hours of sleep each day even if that. Last month I started lifting heavy and my sleeping habits have gotten much much worse. For some reason I find myself being awake at the slightest of disturbances. It's like my body is not able to adjust to the new routine just yet. This past week was the worst of them all. I probably only got 30 hours of sleep the whole week.

I was thinking it may have something to do with my workout schedule, I always lift 2-3 hours before bed-time... 3 times a week and do 3 days cardio. Or perhaps I am overtraining. Anyone been through something similar?

Southpaw3612

I get that way sometimes if I workout after work which is a little later than 10pm. On those nights I take Melatonin. Theres tons of info on it and research behind it. Our body naturally produces it. I find it works for me. Its a sleep aid that helps promote normal sleep patterns.

gazerofthestars

Thanks, I'll look into it, but I am extremely skeptical about using any sleeping pills/supplements. I often get headaches using em

gazerofthestars

Bump

gazerofthestars

Bump

gazerofthestars

No one?

Southpaw3612

I dont know if I would consider it a sleeping pill so much. Melatonin is naturally produced in your body. Taking it before bed seems to just help to get you to that point of REM, deep sleep, a lot sooner.

flex_swimmer

Yes, here's my thinking: Shift your exercise schedule to the morning. You may have some pleasant surprises! And for sleep, there's valerian root, melatonin and tryptophan. They're all safe. Check out www.swansonvitamins.com. A coach turned me on years ago to this mail order company that sells quality herbs and supplements for half price. You may not even need these, as shifting your workouts to the AM could be the answer you're looking for.

erica623

Your body is probably trying to just adjust to all the working out. But if you still arent getting sleep after a couple months there is probably something else going on.
I workout in the evening also and I noticed that if I dont work my self hard enough then Ill have trouble sleeping. Its almost like I have to completely wear myself out to get good sleep when working out in the evening.

glenner

I have a hard time as well if I exercise within three hours of bedtime- doesn't matter if it is cardio or weights. I teach aerobics and some nights I teach two classes in a row after supper. People think I should be wiped out after working all day then teaching for two hours but it actually energizes me so I can't fall asleep. I can't change my teaching schedule so I accept that I will be awake late late late that night. But I try to be done my workouts earlier the rest of the week. So try shifting to a few hours earlier before you cut back. (I actually did a workshop recently that involved three days of intense training using weights- probably about four hours of working out each day- when I got home the last day I was so full of energy I cleaned the house from top to bottom even though I had a cold and sinus infection that should have knocked me out!)

jaymek92

i don't think you're necessarily overtraining, although i can't honestly judge that for you.
i would say try to shift your workout to earlier in the day. maybe try some yoga or chamomile tea before bed to help you relax and unwind.

mes1119

Check your heart rate. If it is still high in the mornings you are overtraining. May be the reason why you're having a hard time sleeping.

albinogorilla

i lift and go to bed immediately afterward no problem.............but i also only have 4-5 hours a night available for sleep .....................by virtue of work and toddlers.