Late-night workouts linked to poor sleep - Study
Researchers found that high-intensity workouts within four hours of bedtime were linked to falling asleep later, reduced and poorer quality of sleep, elevated nighttime heart rates, and decreased heart rate variability.
SYDNEY - Exercising close to bedtime may disrupt sleep quality and heart health, according to a new study led by Australia's Monash University, Xinhua reported.
Researchers found that high-intensity workouts within four hours of bedtime were linked to falling asleep later, reduced and poorer quality of sleep, elevated nighttime heart rates, and decreased heart rate variability, the university said in a news release on Wednesday.
The study, published in Nature Communications, tracked 14,689 people globally over a year using WHOOP Strap biometric devices, collecting data from four million nights, it said.
"Intense exercise in the evening can keep the body in a heightened state of alertness," said lead author Josh Leota from the Monash University School of Psychological Sciences, highlighting that this effect can interfere with the body's ability to wind down for sleep.
Activities like high-intensity interval training, football, or long-distance running were among the most disruptive, the researchers said, adding that the findings remained consistent even after accounting for variables such as age, gender, fitness levels, and the previous night's sleep.
Researchers suggest avoiding strenuous exercise within four hours of bedtime and opting instead for light activity, like a light jog or swim, to minimise sleep disruption. - BERNAMA-XINHUA
Download Sinar Daily application.Click Here!
