A study published in Diabetes Care suggests that evening exercise may lower the risk of mortality and cardiovascular disease. The author, a self-proclaimed morning person, experiments with various evening workouts including yoga, running, weightlifting, barre, and swimming. While evening exercise can improve insulin sensitivity and stress levels, vigorous activities close to bedtime may disrupt sleep. The author finds that moderate evening workouts can be beneficial and enjoyable, though they require careful scheduling.
Research shows that evening exercise can provide health benefits, including better sleep, despite concerns that it may disrupt sleep patterns. While morning exercise is often recommended for its ability to synchronize the body clock and prevent skipping workouts, evening exercise can still be beneficial. Studies have shown that evening exercise does not necessarily harm sleep and may even increase time spent in restorative deep sleep. However, the effects of exercise at different times of day may vary for individuals, and it is important to allow time for the body to cool down before bedtime. Ultimately, the best time to exercise depends on personal preference and individual sleep patterns.
