Should you exercise right before bed?

When’s the best time of day to exercise? The simple answer is - when you have time. However, different times of day may work better for different people. If you are wondering if exercising before bedtime is ok, here are four considerations to help you decide.

• The type of exercise you're doing - moderate-intensity aerobic exercise may be suitable for some people before bed, but generally, it's best to stick to very low-intensity workouts like yoga or Pilates. Avoid high-intensity or vigorous exercise close to bedtime, as this can negatively impact your sleep.
• Your sleep quality and quantity - for some individuals, exercising close to bedtime does not negatively impact sleep quality. Some people find that it helps them relax and unwind, promoting better sleep. However, this may not be the case for you, so you need to determine what is best for your body.
• Your body temperature - exercise increases body temperature, and the subsequent drop in temperature after exercise can signal to the body that it's time to sleep. You will need to perform your workouts such that your body has enough time to cool down before you get into bed and want to fall asleep.
• Personal preferences - you should always pay close attention to how your body responds to exercise at different times of the day. If you find that exercising before bed improves your sleep quality and doesn't interfere with your ability to fall asleep, it may be suitable for you.