Tired and sleepy after working out?

[renaissancewoman101]

Do any of you ever get tired and sleepy after working out? Is that unusual? I find that since I started working out most days during the week, when I come home I am tired and will take a small nap before doing other things like job hunting or paying bills.

 

I'm not sure if napping during the day is a good idea.

[Keyman]

Yes I do. There have been times that I have come home on a weekend and had a nap. This could be because your constant pushing of yourself is not giving your body time to heal and recover from the paces you are putting it through. Sleep is often the time when your body does the majority of it's healing, so perhaps this is a means for your body to recover on its own.

 

Do you eat anything when you come home? A small carb or protein filled snack? Perhaps you have sapped all of the energy you have available and your body is craving some sustenance. perhaps having a protein drink or bar after the workout may keep up the energy levels?

[renaissancewoman101]

Keyman, since I am unemployed right now, I usually work out in the morning or early afternoon, so I usually have a small lunch when I come home (like half a sandwich or some rice) and water.

 

Since I started to work out, I've been drinking a lot of water.

[mandyc]

I read in Shape a while back that the best time to work out is in the evening around 5-6 or so, because your energy levels go down a few hours after working out and it prepares you for bed. I know a lot of people prefer working out in the morning, but the article said lots of people face that mid-day crash. If at all possible try moving your workout to the evenings and maybe that will help.

[pinkelephant]

Yes, i love it. that's why i work out after dinner and then once i get home, i shower and sleep like a babyyyy!

[renaissancewoman101]

I know that since I take a nap in the afternoon (after working out), I don't go to sleep at night until late.

 

Thanks for letting me know that it is normal. For now, I like to keep my workout in the morning because the gym is the least busy at that time. It gets crowded in the evenings there, unless it is Friday or the weekend.

[Shallow]

Yeah, totally normal. I just finished working out, ate about 40g of protein, and will probably be asleep before midnight. I'd probably be much sleepier, but I had a nap after I came home from work.

[Taikero]

Ren, how much sleep do you get per night?

[renaissancewoman101]

Ren, how much sleep do you get per night?

 

I usually get about 6 hours. It really depends. I go to bed usually by midnight and get up around 6-7 AM.

[Taikero]

When you work out, your body needs more rest. 6 hours might not cut it if that's what you were getting before. Your body will need more time to recuperate from the damage you're doing, which is why you're napping midday. Fix your sleep schedule and you'll probably not need the nap.