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Non Restful Sleep WITH Exercise
Hello Everyone,
I am hoping to find a solution to a unique issue I have been dealing with for the past 2 years. I do not get restful sleep on days that I exercise. Any weight bearing exercise (bodyweight, light weights, heavy weights) will result in me not getting restful sleep and feeling incredibly groggy the next morning. I am 23 years old, 172 pounds and roughly 6ft tall. I consider myself above average in terms of physical fitness but it took me a long time to realize my sleep issues seem to be correlated with my workouts. I have a healthy diet and no known other health problems that may cause this, but I was shocked when I realized on days that I simply do NOT exercise, I am able to sleep fine and feel refreshed the next morning. I have done lots of research and most people are supposed to sleep better with exercise, yet I am experiencing the opposite. I do not want to just stop working out and lose everything I worked so hard for, but I am also aware sleep is a critical necessity for everyone. I also train in the mornings and do not consume caffeine anywhere near bed time, I just notice that I wake up extra achy with very low energy on the following day after I train. I typically do compound movements but have experimented with different types of workouts to see if there is a difference but I have had no luck. I am hoping someone can either relate, or a doctor can respond to propose some solutions. I am considering seeing a neurologist to see if I have central nervous system burnout. I have spoken to my doctor a couple of times pertaining to this and he thinks its psychological but I disagree. I have also had my cortisol levels checked and they were in the healthy range. If anyone has any ideas please let me know.
Thank you.
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Hi, @darkelliam, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. It sounds like you want to get your regular exercise but you're not getting restful sleep on days that you do, while feeling fine and rested on days that you don't.
I'd like to invite into this discussion some Connect members who have talked about regular exercise or sleep challenges for their insights on this. Please meet @contentandwell @stulerner @IndianaScott @ladybirder @ladybugmg @ihatediabetes @lioness @emgold2013.
@darkelliam - are you having trouble falling asleep or remaining asleep on exercise days, or just waking up not feeling rested?
Hello Lisa! @lisalucier
Thank you for responding so quickly and fueling this discussion. I am having trouble with all of the above, but more than anything just waking up and not feeling well rested on days that I train. I will be able to "sleep" and dream but its not the same deep restful sleep I am able to get on days that I do not exercise.
What kind of clothes do you wear when you exercise? Do you drink enough water? Do you cool down after you exercise or just stop?
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3 Reactions@darkelliam Are you active at night? You should take it easy before bed .Suggestions are turn off all electric things and cell phone around 10 or an hour before bedtime. ,listen to soft music. Have you had a physical and blood work done lately that could be causing you not to sleep Suggestion have you thyroid test done I think not sure your hypothalamus might be overactive with the exercising you do that causes you not to sleep .First talk to your Dr. about this and see what he /she says.
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2 Reactions@lisalucier @darkelliam I really can't imagine why it would happen, that on days you exercise you can't sleep. My immediate thought was that you were exercising too close to bedtime, I know that's a problem for some. You said though that you exercise in the morning so
you can't possibly be wound up by bedtime. I wish I could suggest some cause but I am stumped. On days when I exercise I find I am generally more tired at bedtime and can get to sleep more easily.
JK
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1 Reaction@ihatediabetes
I wear normal workout clothes. Sweatpants and a t-shirt. I drink water throughout my workout yes. I am very into fitness and was a personal trainer when I was 18 so I have knowledge regarding exercise in general. I do cool down after I workout but nothing has really helped.
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2 Reactions@lioness I am not active at night. I don't drink alcohol or do any drugs whatsoever. I consider myself very healthy with the exception of my sleep issues.I have actually spoke to my doctor a couple of times regarding this issue and have had blood and thyroid checked but they are okay. It's strange because the issue is only on days where I work out with weight training.
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1 Reaction@contentandwell
Thanks for tuning in. You are definitely supposed to sleep better with exercise but I find myself very achy and its hard for me to get that deep sleep I need to recover.
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3 Reactions@lisalucier I'd love if a neurologist or sleep doctor could give me their opinion. I have only ever heard of a few people with the issues i experience. I am wondering if its possible that my central nervous system is fried from years of weight training.
@darkelliam After you cool down maybe Taking a Epsom Salt soak would help as your muscles you say are sore? Just an idea?
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