Endorphins and exercise

[carbless_in_seattle]

I know it seems weird to complain about the jolt of energy that exercise brings, but here is my dilemma:

I usually find the time to work out at night (anytime between 8-11). When I get done, even though I am exhausted, my adrenaline and endorphins keep me awake for hours, as if i just drank and energy drink.

Anyone have ideas for post-workout that would allow me to sleep better? I don't want to get in the habit of advil PM like some of my relatives.

[studyinscarlet]

Re: Endorphins and exercise

I have a lot of friends who meditate. The breathing and the process in general is supposed to be really relaxing and great for well being in general. I have been wanting to start doing it myself. Maybe it would hep you to wind down.

This book is supposed to be really good. I think I'm going to get it.

http://www.amazon.com/Wherever-You-There-Are-Mindfulness/dp/1401307787/ref=cm_lmf_tit_5

[ttdriver]

Re: Endorphins and exercise

I suggest a nice cup of herbal "sleepy time" tea by Celestial Seasonings. No caffeine.

Betty

[Lyssie]

Re: Endorphins and exercise

I usually workout at night... I take about 30-45 min stretching at the end just to kind of cool down and chill out. After that, I'm pretty much ready for bed...

[gman]

Re: Endorphins and exercise

Carbless-

Given that you are supposed to eat something every 6 hours, and want something low carb maybe, how about an after dinner snack of turkey rolled up with some mayo? I had some turkey on salad for lunch today and took the first nap just now that I've taken in a long time. I worked out until 4 today since it's a Sunday.
HowStuffWorks "Is there something in turkey that makes you sleepy?" ???

BTW I stop working out by 8 pm so it works out that by bed time of midnight I am pretty relaxed.

You could create a channel on Pandora.com with Jack Johnson's Constellations song...

Or, log into ADBB and read one of my posts....

Glenn

[rhodesengr]

Re: Endorphins and exercise

I often have this same problem because I work during the day so I can only get to the gym at night. I used to play on an ice hockey team and games could end as late as midnight. Try getting to sleep after an ice hockey game! I have some suggestions but if you are a super purest you may not find my suggestions appealing. Going from most to least natural:

Melatonin works pretty well and is easy to find.

Various essential oils can help induce sleep such as Bergamot, Chamomile, Valerian root. I use bergamot alot. I put a few drops on each thigh.

Venom Lean Dreams is a supplement product. It is mostly a mix of Melatonin and tyramine (the stuff in turkey that makes you sleep). I think they sell to help people get to sleep who are using there stimulant based product Hyperdrive.

When all else fails, I take an Ambien.

[Lyssie]

Re: Endorphins and exercise

Seriously? Your doc gave you a prescription for a sleeping pill because you workout at night?!

[rhodesengr]

Re: Endorphins and exercise

ummmm...... I am not saying anything. I said upfront, if you are an ultra holistic, hard-core tree hugger you may not like my solutions. BTW I also do yoga but I do Bikram yoga which is hardly slumber inducing. 90 minutes of hot yoga is an energizing as an ice hockey game.

[Lyssie]

Re: Endorphins and exercise

I work for a pharmaceutical company, i'm pretty sure i'm not considered "an ultra holistic, hard-core tree hugger".

It was an honest question, I have never heard of a doctor doing something like that. No need to insult people for being curious.

[rhodesengr]

Re: Endorphins and exercise

I was not trying to be insulting. Tongue in cheek never comes off too well on forums. Actually I do not have a current prescription. One can buy Ambien over the net without a prescription. Also my GF has a prescription because she has trouble sleeping and I borrow hers now and then. I do not know what she told her doctor.

[sallyseachange]

Re: Endorphins and exercise

I'd go with the meditation suggestion.