Sorry, night owls: Early to bed, early to rise may be the secret to making exercise easier and committing to staying active.
A recent study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine discovered that self-reported "night owls" have a harder time keeping an exercise schedule regardless of what time they actually go to bed or wake up.
All participants in the sample slept for at least 6.5 hours per night and exercised an average of 83 minutes of vigorous activity per week, but those who were evening people perceived finding time to exercise more difficult. These healthy, active night owls also spent more time sitting, especially on weekends, than those who were morning people.
The authors say sleep timing and circadian preference are related to activity patters and attitudes toward physical activity, so exercise recommendations based on circadian factors may help devise a routine that you can actually stick to.