Do you think rest is healthier than exercise if you don't sleep very well
helengains
Posts: 129 Member
I wonder if it's worth waiting until my sleep gets better. Do you think it puts extra stress on an already stressed body or could it help heal. Running and light weights is what I do at the moment
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Replies
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Sleep is SO important, so much more so than we like to admit. I wouldn't wait, I'd still exercise but you WILL find that once you get more adequate sleep, your workouts will be better.5
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If you've not slept well a particular night, then sleep. Working out while lacking sleep puts you at a greater risk for injury.5
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Thank you. I feel it's holding me back0
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I think this is an excellent question.
I was sleep deprived yesterday due to getting back home at 1:00 am Tuesday from a quick trip to/from California. I debated going to the gym last night (light weights is what I do), but decided on an early night. I'm glad I did, and I'll be going to the gym this evening after work.3 -
IMO Exercising helps me to sleep and better.
But if you are tired by all means sleep first. I can't exercise without adequate rest.4 -
I'm going on anxiety medication and wonder while my body gets used to them should I hang fire. Not sleeping also makes me wonder if it's worth waiting. I don't particularly want to take these but I've hit a point where I need help. Exercise is something I'd like to keep up as long as I can but wonder if rest is better tonic for my tired burnt out body. Thank you for feedback it's appreciated1
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helengains wrote: »I'm going on anxiety medication and wonder while my body gets used to them should I hang fire. Not sleeping also makes me wonder if it's worth waiting. I don't particularly want to take these but I've hit a point where I need help. Exercise is something I'd like to keep up as long as I can but wonder if rest is better tonic for my tired burnt out body. Thank you for feedback it's appreciated
Something gentle like walking or swimming might be good for your mental health as well.3 -
Thank you. Yes I love walking and do lots most day's. My goal was to do weights but wondering if I should put weights on hold until I get used to these.1
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I worked out very sleep deprived when my son was a baby. It was hard.. and I definitely had to be mindful of injuries (I was lifting). But I felt well enough to do it. So it will depend on how you function under lack of sleep.1
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Thanks for sharing. I somehow function kind of ok some day's. I'm feeling tired now though. I'll see how things are tomorrow I think and go from there0
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If you need to rest, then rest...but don't let being tired become an excuse not to workout. In all actuality, there will be days that you may need to do less weight/reps/miles, but it's still worth it to put in the effort and do what you can.3
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Thank you. Yes I think some effort is better than zero. Just aware that my body is tired. Everything has caught up1
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What does your doctor say?2
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Exercise can be relaxing and relieve stress/help you to unwind. You have to listen to your body but sometimes exercise may help. I sleep well after evening workout.2
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Thank you. My doctor hasn't mentioned anything but today was day I was issued them. I'll mention next week. Your comments have helped thankyou0
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I have anxiety and suffer from insomnia to the point I would lay awake to 3 or 4 in the morning and have to get up at 7 and it's horrendous trying to cope the next day. At one point I was relying on sleeping tablets which I know is awful and moreover as I was tired I was making poorer meal choices as I was to worn out to cook a decent meal. I have to say I think my increased physical activity has done wonders for my sleeping, I sleep much better on days I've been to the gym. I'm not saying you'll be the same but I have found that exercise really helps sleep as it tires me out so much. I've started to establish a much healthier sleeping pattern and tend to fall asleep for 11/12 most evenings.1
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I've done some of my best hikes on only 2 hours of sleep (not by choice ) then slept great the next night. Listen to your body. Low impact exercise can help with stress, less stress , more sleep.1
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Thank you0
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I actually sleep like a log if I've done some decent exercise that day.1
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Some things to help with insomnia that have worked for me are:
Melatonin 3 mg before sleep.
Getting sunlight in the morning or using a light box.
Limiting food 2 hours and water 1 hour before sleep.
Avoiding TV, iPhone use an hour before bed.
Only have caffeine in the morning.
Download apps to help you sleep. Examples Sleep Cycle, White noise, Relax Melodies, Relax & Sleep Well1 -
Both sleep and exercise (being active) are important. It's hard to be healthy for long without both. Exercise can often help with sleep because it makes us tired. If that's not the case for you, then taking a break from exercising might be a good idea if it helps you sleep. But if you can't be active and sleep you probably should talk to your doctor to find out why.1
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Thanks you for your comments. I don't think I can melatonin as I live in u.k0
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helengains wrote: »I wonder if it's worth waiting until my sleep gets better. Do you think it puts extra stress on an already stressed body or could it help heal. Running and light weights is what I do at the moment
Absolutely not.
Regular exercise will help you to sleep better. Taking a nap or going to sleep early is bad sleep hygiene--you should not do it if you can help it. If you have never heard of sleep hygiene, google it--these are the first things that a sleep specialist will tell you.1 -
Thank you for sharing0
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