Exercising when sleep deprived...

[April]

Is it beneficial or hindering to exercise when you're sleep deprived?

I'm thinking along the lines of getting only 5 or 6 hours of sleep when you really need 8 to function at best. I'm always afraid I'm just going to end up with really sore joints if I do, but I don't really know from much experience.

For what it's worth, I work on my feet all day and do a bit of heavy lifting there, so it's not like I have a sedentary lifestyle.

What do you think?

[kali]

Ive worked out when Ive been sleep deprived and Ive found that I dont really get sore afterwards but I just cant seem to push myself as hard as I normally do. Im much more likely to get a lactic acid burn when lifting weights too. If Im that lacking in sleep, I normally just skip a day now.

[Parth]

It's not a good idea to do anything when you're sleep deprived. However, 5 to 6 hours isn't going to make you go crazy. I personally sleep about 6 hours each night, and then get my 8 hours during the weekends. There have been people who have been successful with 3 hours of sleep.

Your sleep really depends on your lifestyle and food. For example, after a heavy meal, I get pretty drowsy. Sometimes I feel myself dozing off during the day if I have absolutely nothing to do.

My advice: don't be overworked or underworked.

[Pandora]

Good night rest is... essential.

Hmmm I think it depends on why you are not getting enough sleep... if you are simply not tired and can't get to sleep, then exercise can help making you more tired.

But not sleeping enough and exercising... I don't know. Nothing will make you healthier than sleep, sleep is so so so important. If you don't get enough, you'll get all sorts of aillments.

I suppose the best guide is to listen to your body, if you are easily tired during exercise, or feel aches, you have your answer. If you are energised and it feels great, well then maybe you just don't need that much sleep.

[SugarBlue27]

I've been wondering about this too. I havent been sleeping well lately and all though my excersize routine is not one of high status I've been having trouble getting myself to do it lately. I always do yoga upon rising and either swim, bike, or walk later in the day for a bit. Lately I've been forcing myself to do yoga and getting really tired afterwards....maybe I should skip a day? I dont know...

[karenlovessnow]

I am often sleep deprived...some days are worse than others. I definitely let my body tell me how much exercise, if any, I can do. I absolutely cannot have a successful workout when tired. But I've always gone by the theory, that something is better than nothing. Unless I'm totally exhausted and not feeling well, I modify my routine to suit how I feel that day. A bad day may be only ten minutes of pilates and 15 minutes of cardio. Again, I feel like it's better than nothing, and if I can manage that, then great. A good day for me is 20 pilates and 45 cardio and this is 4-5 times per week. It's barely enough to lose weight on (for me, I am over 50) but it's what me feel really good. On occasion I will rest a few days with no exercise if my health 'issues' are acting up. Hope that helps! :)

[karenlovessnow]

Something that may sound really weird, but what the heck....I do better with my exercising if I have a cup of coffee first thing and then take a shower...seems to get my muscles going....yeah, you have to shower again after you exercise, but it's just to rinse the sweat off, really...technically you're already clean! :)