Should I exercise earlier or later in the day?

You have probably heard that exercising in the morning is better for you than exercising at night. Why are so many people convinced that exercising earlier in the day is more beneficial? Well first, let's discuss some of the effects of exercise. Exercise causes an increase in heart rate and a release of the hormone epinephrine, which is another word for adrenaline. Adrenaline causes the heart to beat quickly as it is produced during situations involving high stress or excitement. Exercise stimulates the brain by releasing dopamine which is a neurotransmitter that causes feelings of relaxation and happiness. Exercise has also been found to help individuals sleep better.

People who exercise have been found to sleep better than individuals who do not exercise at all. If you are the type of person that has difficulty sleeping on a regular basis, it is probably smart to exercise earlier in the day so that you have ample time to wind down and allow your body to return to normal body temperature and heart rate. Some people are only able to exercise in the mornings, and some people are only able to exercise later in the day. You should take into account when exercise is feasible for you as well as how you feel throughout the day to determine when the best time is for you to exercise.