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Sleep or Exercise

Chris Richards considers which is more important - sleep or exercise.

Yes, we all know that getting enough sleep and exercise is vital. But what if you do not have enough time and you feel tired? Is it worth waking up earlier to squeeze in that workout? It probably has you wondering - do I have to choose between sleeping better or shaving an hour of exercise? So which one is more important - sleep or exercise? Read on as I provide you with a short guide on sleep and training to help you learn about their importance.

Sleep or Exercise

I feel you are hoping that it is okay to wake up late and skip your workout, staying in for an extra hour during cold and depressing mornings. Unfortunately, that is not the answer! Quality sleep and regular exercise, and healthy eating, helps keep your body functioning at its best. Many people tend to snore while they are in a deep sleep. Snoring occurs in the third or fourth stage of sleep. Some of the best tips and mattresses for snoring are available so that you can have a good night's sleep. Skimping one over the other is not a good thing, as it has its consequences in the long run.

Yes, exercising regularly in the morning can help you sleep better! If you have had a late night and still workout early in the morning, you may have experienced less energy and shortened workouts. And the reason is apparent. If you are low on sleep, you will not have enough motivation to get up and be fatigued. But this does not mean sleeping is more important than working out. If you do stop working out, your sleep will likely suffer.

I would recommend that you get your seven to nine hours of sleep every night, and as long as you feel refreshed when you get up, there is no reason to skip your workout. And if you do feel a bit tired when you wake up, which is normal, it is still best to suck it up and hit the gym. Remember, one bad night of sleep will not kill you, and working out in the morning can help with your rest later that night.

If you cannot get up, try moving your workout outside, which can help wake you up and make you feel energized while regulating your body's sleep-wake cycle to make it easier to sleep at night.

An Exception to the Rule

Yes, I would recommend that you exercise in the mornings even if you are a bit tired. You may end up slacking on your workout anyway, which has you feel weak and risks you of injury. Additionally, if you are feeling sick, it is best not to get up to work out as well! But, if you do end up feeling dead and literally cannot get out of bed after just an hour or two of sleep, then it is best to allow yourself the day off and doze.

Additionally, if you are dealing with a temporary situation that makes it impossible for you to get adequate sleep (like finals or starting a family), give yourself a break and get back to your routine after. Also, read The Importance of Sleep for Fitness.

The Solution to Maintain Good Sleep and Exercise

Yes, it is okay to exercise even if you feel a bit tired or to skip the workout to prioritize your sleep if you are tired. But make sure that you do not make either of the two a habit! Instead, it is time to create a change and make an effective schedule, so you will be able to figure out when you can work out and what times you should be sleeping soundly.

If you have a crazy schedule, I recommend that you have shorter and more intense exercise sessions. 30-minute interval workouts are just as effective as longer and slower-paced workouts.

It all takes time management and scheduling! You may want to set your bedtime a bit earlier to get up early for your workout, may it be a long or short one. This will depend on you. Stay consistent with your schedules while eating healthy, and you will be able to reach your goals!

Wrapping It Up

And there you have it! Having a good sleep is essential; with the help of some famous brands of mattresses, you can have a good sleep. But of course, you should not ignore your exercise because of it. Squeezing, even just a 20-minute workout for the morning, will do wonders for your body! There are solutions to ensuring that you get both quality sleep and exercise, and it all boils down to proper time management and scheduling.

I hope that this article on choosing to sleep or exercise helped you learn about what you should do to maintain your health. So, do not wait any longer and start creating an effective schedule that works for you today.


Page Reference

If you quote information from this page in your work, then the reference for this page is:

  • RICHARDS. C. (2018) Sleep or Exercise? [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/articles/article318.htm [Accessed

About the Author

Chris Richards is a writer on fitness, health, and nutrition.