When do I exercise if I have low morning cortisol? - PaleoHacks.com

When do I exercise if I have low morning cortisol?

2012-08-26T14:00:02Z

Really confused about what to do. I love to bike and run but it seems to hurt more than help. I suspect that I have low morning cortisol (I feel like a zombie until about 4 and have felt this way for a year now). Ive been going to the doctors back and for the past year and do not have the money to go back. No Doctor ever mentioned cortisol and looking through it now it adds up much better than what I thought was an issue with carbs/grains (which I seemed to do fine on in less stressful times).

Everything I read applies to people who have a natural cortisol cycle. I have no energy in the mornings and tons at night. Should I do light cardio in the mornings? My fatigue is getting so severe and I often read rest is often the best option but I have always used exercise to control stress.

Thank for any help

Answer by Matthius for When do I exercise if I have low morning cortisol?

2012-08-26T14:08:11Z

How many hours do you sleep and how is your overall sleep quality?
Do you use caffeine and/or other stimulants?

Answer by Leo for When do I exercise if I have low morning cortisol?

2012-08-26T14:58:48Z

As you're posting on a paleo site, I'm going to assuming you are eating a paleo style diet. One thing to consider is increasing your carb intake. Depending on your running/biking schedule and intensity your body may needing more carbs, especially at night. Try more sweet potato and the like into your diet.

I would suggest searching your issue on www.robbwolf.com, as I know he's covered fatigue in his blog and podcasts.

Good luck!

Answer by caban for When do I exercise if I have low morning cortisol?

2012-08-26T18:06:00Z

To answer your question in the comments: It probably means that you have weak nervous system at the moment. And the reason for that I would guess is too much stress on your body ( physical, psychic or both ). Since you also can't sleep properly, you don't have enough time to rest and let your body regain its homeostasis and you got yourself into vicious circle. I would advise doing much less physically demanding exercises and slowly raising the intensity. For example if you run three times a week for 60 minutes, I would change it to 30 minutes two times a week. Listen to your body and for the upcoming month or so just don't pass normal limit. Also try to relax more, in my case meditation was the best, but walking in the park or nature is also great. Generally walking is very relaxing and refreshing and that kind of exercise won't affect negatively your nervous system. Maybe after sometime make yourself short vacation and go for a week hiking in the mountains. I did it and it helped me a lot. Remember, you need to regain your normal health status, so your body will react normally to any physical resistance. Be patient.

Answer by Rocker323 for When do I exercise if I have low morning cortisol?

2012-08-28T20:24:28Z

Thanks for all the replies. I can't seem to comment posts, weird. Yeah it really does feel like the flu without coughing/sneezing. Its not constant but when it hits it hits hard. Its like having feet that weigh a ton. Its hard to tell if I'm overtraining because at times I will be progressing and then I just hit a brick wall and have to stop. This has been going on for over a year and blood tests don't shot a thing.

I've always faced depression but could quickly quell it with running/biking. Its very hard to keep it at bay when my body is so incredibly tired. Going to try and get a better magnesium supplement and up my carbs a bit. Its just so difficult because I'm so used to going hard when I exercise, but I suppose some light cardio could help me sleep a bit deeper.