Phoenix – Contrary to conventional wisdom, working out at night may not have a harmful effect on sleep, concludes a new study from Arizona State University.
Using data from the National Sleep Foundation’s 2013 Sleep in America poll of 1,000 adults, researchers compared sleep quality and duration based on exercise habits. Morning exercisers reported the best sleep overall. However, evening exercisers said their sleep was the same or better in terms of quality and duration on nights when they worked out compared to when they did not, suggesting exercise before bed does not disturb sleep.
Researchers said the results offer evidence against advising people not to exercise at night.
The study was published online Feb. 10 in the journal Sleep Medicine.
