Fact or fiction: your pre-bedtime habits

Fact or fiction: You shouldn't exercise close to bedtime.
Fact!
Regular physical activity supports healthy, sound sleep. But engaging in vigorous activity too near to bedtime may do just the opposite. Exercise invigorates the mind and muscles, gets the heart pumping, and increases your body temperature – all things that work against sleep. A morning fitness routine would be better. Or delay your workout until the late afternoon, since it will give your body temperature just enough time to gradually decrease and ease you into sleep. If you choose to exercise in the evening, experts recommend avoiding vigorous activity at least an hour before bedtime.

Fact or fiction: Eating before bedtime is recipe for bad sleep.
A bit of both!
When you eat, your body kicks into high gear for digestion, a job best done while not lying down. If you fall asleep with a mega-meal still working its way through your system, you're more likely to be awakened in the night by indigestion. Going to sleep hungry could be just as bad, though. Nibble on a small snack that contains carbohydrates, calcium, and minimal protein, like whole-grain crackers spread with almond butter or topped with low-fat cheese. In general, try not to eat any large meals at least 3 hours before bedtime.

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