Does running at night affect sleep?
Oct 12, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Shichang
Introduction
Generally speaking, whether running at night affects sleep depends on the intensity of the run. If the intensity is low, it usually does not affect sleep; conversely, high-intensity running may interfere with sleep. Running is an aerobic exercise that burns calories, strengthens lower limb muscles, releases endorphins in the body, and helps reduce stress and anxiety.
Generally speaking, whether running at night affects sleep depends on the intensity of the run. If the running intensity is low, it usually does not affect sleep; conversely, high intensity may interfere with sleep. The detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Will not affect sleep
Running is an aerobic exercise that burns calories, strengthens lower-body muscles, releases endorphins, and reduces stress and anxiety. If the intensity of nighttime running is low, it not only won't disrupt sleep but can also help relieve stress, relax the body, improve sleep quality, and promote better sleep.
2. May affect sleep
If the intensity of nighttime running is too high, it may cause the motor nerves to become excited. This excitement is transmitted via neurons to the central nervous system, increasing cortical excitability in the brain, which in turn may negatively affect sleep.
If you plan to run at night, it's recommended to control the intensity and avoid excessive physical exertion.
