In this week’s Sleep Diaries, a 51-year-old teacher wonders if exercising before bed is having a negative impact on her sleep.

A little about me:

Age: 51

Occupation: teacher

Number of hours sleep you get each night: five to six hours

Number of hours sleep you wish you got each night: eight hours

Any officially diagnosed sleep-related problems: none, although I’ve experienced insomnia over lockdown

Do you measure your sleep in some way (e.g. using your phone or wearable): no

How much water you drink on average per day: 2 litres of water, plus 2-3 decaf teas during the day and a coffee in the morning

How much exercise I do on average per week: a few hours a week

Day 1

I am trying to get myself into a better bedtime routine but still end up in bed at 10.30pm. During lockdown I have been suffering with insomnia and often have to get up during the night as I am disturbing my partner with my restlessness. Tonight, though, was a better night for sleeping. I woke up at 2am and had a walk around the house and again at 5am.

Finally, I wake at 7am and get up to shower and dress. I am working from home because I am shielding and, as I have a terrible headache and feel extremely thirsty, I drink two pints of water. Then, I have a cup of tea. Because why not?

“Will exercising before bed improve my sleep, or make it worse?” A sleep expert answers your questions