Have you ever worked out late in the evening and found yourself struggling to nod off?
Seriously, what gives? Exercise is supposed to make you tired, right?
Well, yes, but not before it stimulates our nervous systems and raises our body temperature.
‘Exercise triggers the release of cortisol and adrenaline, which are stress hormones that help the body respond to physical activity,’ Dipti Tait, an NSDR hypnotherapist and sleep expert tells Metro.co.uk.
‘Cortisol levels are typically higher in the morning and lower in the evening, following a natural circadian rhythm.’
Late night workouts interrupt our circadian rhythms and make it difficult for us to reach a relaxed state in the evening.
Exercise also raises our core body temperatures.
‘High body temperature can interfere with the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, as the body tends to cool down before sleep,’ says Dipti.
‘It can also make you feel uncomfortable and restless, making it difficult to fall asleep.’
Is a cold shower the solution?
If you have no choice but to work out at night – perhaps you work late, or you have a hobby that only provides evening classes – not being able to sleep can be stressful, and can even put you off exercising in the long-term.
There is some evidence to suggest that having a cold shower post-workout can help.
One study found that male athletes who took a cold shower after exercising noticed a drop in body temperature and better sleep quality.
‘Taking a cold shower can help lower body temperature by constricting blood vessels and reducing blood flow to the skin,’ says Dipti.
‘This can aid in the body’s natural cooling down process after a workout, which may promote better sleep.
‘Cold showers have also been shown to decrease cortisol levels.
‘By reducing cortisol, a cold shower may help counteract the cortisol spike that can occur after a late night workout, potentially aiding in relaxation and better sleep.’
It’s not for everyone
That said, a cold shower in the evening might not work for everyone: other studies have shown that they can actually boost cortisol levels, and some people have compared the energising effects of a cold shower to those of a shot of espresso.
With this in mind, it may be better to take a cold shower as soon as you finish working out, rather than just before bed – it’s about finding what works for you.
On top of a cold shower, Dipti suggests prioritising other sleep-promising practices.
‘These include establishing a regular bedtime routine, creating a relaxing sleep environment and managing stress in addition to addressing body temperature and cortisol levels,’ she says.
‘If you continue to have difficulties sleeping after late night workouts, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised advice.’
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