49 y.o. I want to sleep right after exercise

[islandgrl47]

Does any one know why I feel like falling asleep right after exercise? This is sad. I'm 49 y.o. And would always do a little exercise weather walking, free weights. I ski, play recreational ball. Well, I  bought a 10minute cardio ltape with exercise bands and as soon as my heart rAte slows after exercise I feel totally exhausted and want to fall asleep. I was diagnosed with a pericardial cyst. Could I not be getting enough oxygen to my brain when I'm exercising. I could literally close my eyes and fall asleep. If I resist the urge to sleep it will pass in about a half hour. Or am I just in worse shape than I think. I am 30lbs over weight.

[whitelighttrainwreck]

In your 22 May response to islandgrl47, you remarked "things will actually become easier once our hormones calm down". I began peri-menopause around age 42. I'm now 49. My hormones are still out of control. I don't think it's ever going to get better. I'm on hormones to control hot flashes, night sweats, and the insomnia. I think those issues are okay. But, I wish there were a pill or something to help with the other peri-menopausal issues: Stubborn belly fat and acne!

The women in our family have always had a tendency to gain weight in our bellies. (I think God decided that would be our curse...since he didn't give us cellulite or ample rear ends.) It seems that nothing I do works to decrease the belly fat. Though I've lost about 30 pounds recently, I've only gone down one pant size. I am still in a size 18 because I have to fit my belly. Then, I look like I'm wearing a loaded diaper. (I've never had large hips or thighs, and I basically have a flat rear end.)

I don't know if you have any advice. And, I wanted to share some of my "pain" in the event anyone else out there is going through the same thing.

[islandgrl47]

Thanks for getting back. It's pretty sad that I've  been so busy I did not even check my posts. I think I did the tapes 3 times and then life got in the way and I have no time (busyness took my head right out of exercise mode) I can't wait for my kids to be done with school. Trying to get my head in the game again. At least I have been walking. Thanks again for your info and time. I will keep u posted

[althetrainer]

I am also 49 years old and I too feel like going to sleep after strenuous exercise.  I have always been physically active and I was a competitive long distance runner.  When I was younger, exercise usually woke me up and gave me energy but things began to change since I entered peri-menopause.  I believe if this change has anything to do with a sudden hormonal shift.  It's almost like my body suddenly goes from extreme sympathetic to para-sympathetic response.  Once the workout is over my body feels so relaxed that I could just close my eyes and go to sleep.

If you're not feeling dizzy,  nauseous, or having difficulty breathing during exercise I wouldn't worry about your brain not getting enough oxygen.  Rather, pay attention to how well you sleep at night.  Are you getting enough hours of shuteye?  Was the qualify of your beauty sleep good.  If not, try to take a short nap before doing your workout.  Don't exercise on an empty stomach.  Eat a small and easy to digest meal a couple of hours prior to your workout.  If you still feel like sleeping after your workout, by all mean, take a quick nap.  Another thing you need to track is your stress level.  If you're already under a lot of stress (regardless it's physical or emotional) you need to adjust your exercise accordingly.

During this time of our life, we have to deal with a lot of changes - physiological and emotional alike.  Our body is trying to figure out what's going on and learning how to cope with these "unknowns".   Losing weight during peri menopause is a big challenge but not impossible.  We need to understand what our body needs then follow its lead.  If we forced ourselves to go against our physiological (sometimes emotional) needs, our body will only produce more stress hormones that trigger a series of undesired responses.  So learn to listen to your body.

I used to work with menopausal women with special health issues.   I often reminded them the three most important things regarding weight loss: 1) sleep well 2) eat well 3) exercise well, in that order.  If you don't sleep well no matter how well you eat and exercise your body will not go the direction where you want it to go.  If you don't eat well, no matter how much exercise you do, you will never be able to lose weight.  

So listen to your body.  Be kind to yourself and be your own best friend.  If your weight loss seems to stall (it often does at our age) don't worry about it.  Just remember you're going through a tough period and things will actually become easier once our hormones calm down.  Don't lose faith!