# exercise and sleep problems **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [July 13, 2010, 5:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exercise-and-sleep-problems/546503 "2010-07-13T05:34:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![LeidenFrost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/eada6e/32.png) [@LeidenFrost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LeidenFrost)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2010, 5:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exercise-and-sleep-problems/546503/1 "2010-07-13T05:34:24Z")
Recently I started working out again after about a two year break from it. I do mostly weightlifting and a little cardio. Its great to feel my strength returning and to feel healthier overall. My drive is increased, my mood is lighter, and my attention span is getting longer. However, now that I have all of this renewed energy, I have trouble sleeping. I’m not taking any diet pills or extra caffeine or anything like that. Does anyone know of a solution to this? ---
**Author:** ![pkbites](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pkbites/32/204_2.png) [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2010, 5:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exercise-and-sleep-problems/546503/2 "2010-07-13T05:47:58Z")
How much time is there between your work outs and bed time? I have the same problem and found I have to have at least 6 hours between the end of the work out and bed time. The only thing I can think of is adrenalin & endorphins that are released during exercise are what’s causing it, and at least a small amount of them remain in the blood for hours after the work out. ---
**Author:** ![Animastryfe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8797f3/32.png) [@Animastryfe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Animastryfe)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2010, 12:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exercise-and-sleep-problems/546503/3 "2010-07-13T12:22:12Z")
Are you exercising 3-6 hours before bed? ---
**Author:** ![LeidenFrost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/eada6e/32.png) [@LeidenFrost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LeidenFrost)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2010, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exercise-and-sleep-problems/546503/4 "2010-07-14T02:05:44Z")
3-6 hours before bed is exactly when I like to work out. I didn’t realize that would make a big difference. ---
**Author:** ![pkbites](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pkbites/32/204_2.png) [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2010, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exercise-and-sleep-problems/546503/5 "2010-07-14T02:12:06Z")
> [@LeidenFrost](#): > > 3-6 hours before bed is exactly when I like to work out. I didn’t realize that would make a big difference. One might think it would have a fatiguing effect, but I found just the opposite is true. ---
**Author:** ![Animastryfe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8797f3/32.png) [@Animastryfe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Animastryfe)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2010, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exercise-and-sleep-problems/546503/6 "2010-07-14T02:14:05Z")
A few hours after you exercise, you should feel sleepy. Try to time that with your usual bed time. ---
**Author:** ![Markxxx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5daacb/32.png) [@Markxxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Markxxx)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2010, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exercise-and-sleep-problems/546503/7 "2010-07-14T14:37:06Z")
This is a very individual thing. Some people zonk out right after a workout, others are like you. I can be very tired in need of a nap and I go to the gym instead. I come back wide awake. Each person’s sleep and eating habits will vary especially when you’re just starting out. It’s all trial and error. Keep what works ditch what doesn’t