If you have not slept well, should you drag yourself to exercise or rest it out?

Poor sleep compromises the balance of hormones, reduces cognitive alertness, and increases the risk of injury due to slow reaction times, said Dr Anil Ramakrishna, senior consultant, neurology, SPARSH Hospital, Yelahanka, Bangalore.

“Skipping sleep to exercise also leads to an increase in the level of cholesterol, impacts the quality of workout and impairs the recovery of muscles,” he described.

If you slept less than 5–6 hours, it’s better to skip or delay your workout and get some extra rest, stressed Dr Agarwal.

“Even 60–90 minutes of additional sleep can improve mood, focus, and physical performance. You can always do a light activity later in the day, such as walking, stretching, yoga, or a short home workout. However, if you slept slightly less than usual but still feel okay, like 6 hours, you can choose a gentler form of exercise instead of a heavy gym session,” said Dr Agarwal.

Sleep a little more (Photo: Pexels)

A short nap for recovery, or allowing your body additional rest in the morning, helps regulate the circadian rhythm and supports metabolic function. “Once rested, an individual can engage in light movements like stretching or a low-intensity walk later in the day without stressing their body system,” said Dr Ramakrishna.

Avoid intense cardio or heavy weights on such days. The main rule is that sleep comes first. A well-rested body performs better, burns more calories, builds muscle faster, and stays healthier in the long run.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.