As the days grow longer and the springtime sunshine starts to shine through, it’s the perfect time to shake off the winter blues and boost your health. While you might already know that exercise is good for you, did you know that a quick evening workout could help improve your sleep, too? Let’s explore why and how to make the most of it.
Why Evening Workouts Can Help You Sleep Better
We’re all familiar with the struggle of trying to get a good night’s sleep, especially as the clocks change in spring. With more daylight hours and our bodies adjusting, it’s easy to feel a bit off track. However, studies suggest that short bursts of exercise in the evening can help regulate your sleep cycle by:
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Promoting deeper sleep: Physical activity increases your body temperature, and when it drops back down, it signals to your body that it’s time to rest. This can help you fall into a deeper, more restful sleep.
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Reducing stress and anxiety: Evening workouts help release those feel-good endorphins, keeping stress at bay. The more relaxed you are, the better your chances of drifting off to sleep.
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Improving sleep quality: A regular evening routine of light exercise can reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and increase the amount of time you spend in restorative deep sleep.
Top Tips for Evening Workouts
You don’t need to break a sweat for hours to get the benefits. Here are a few quick workouts to boost your sleep game:
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Yoga or Stretching: Just 10-20 minutes of gentle yoga or stretching before bed can help ease tension and get your body into "relax mode." Focus on deep breathing to calm your mind.
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Bodyweight Circuit: A quick, 15-minute bodyweight circuit of squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks can elevate your heart rate without overstimulating you. Keep the intensity moderate to avoid feeling too energised before bed.
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Walking or Light Jogging: A brisk walk or gentle jog around your neighbourhood as the sun sets can help signal your body to wind down, making it easier to fall asleep when you get back.
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Tai Chi or Pilates: Low-impact exercises like Tai Chi or Pilates work wonders for calming the nervous system and improving flexibility. Even a short session in your living room can leave you feeling zen.
Springtime: The Perfect Season to Get Active
With the arrival of spring, there’s no better time to get moving. The weather is improving, and longer daylight hours give you more opportunity to fit in an evening workout. So, why not make the most of the fresh air and vibrant energy around you? Whether you’re heading outside for a run or trying a new fitness class, spring is the perfect season to switch up your routine and get your body moving before bedtime.
Don’t Forget About Your Mattress!
Of course, all the exercise in the world won’t make a difference if your mattress isn’t up to scratch. The right mattress is key to a good night’s sleep, so it’s worth investing in one that suits your needs. After all, if you’ve worked hard during the day (or night), your mattress should be working hard for you too!
At REM-Fit, we understand the importance of sleep, which is why we offer a sleep trial with every mattress. If you’re unsure whether your mattress is giving you the support you need, take advantage of our trial period to see how it feels. You can sleep peacefully knowing that if your mattress isn’t the right fit, we’ll help you find one that is.
Final Thoughts
A quick workout in the evening is a great way to boost your sleep quality, especially as we head into spring. By getting active for just 15-20 minutes, you can enjoy the benefits of improved sleep, better mood, and increased energy. Just remember, a solid workout routine is only half of the equation – make sure your mattress is giving you the support you deserve for a full night of restful sleep.
