The Relationship Between Exercise, Sleep, & Recovery with Josh Leota

We know sleep and physical activity are crucial for overall health, but how do they affect one another? On today’s episode of the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP SVP of Research Algorithms and Data, Emily Capodilupo sits down with Sleep and Circadian Scientist Josh Leota to break down the latest WHOOP study on how intense exercise and timing affect sleep—and how sleep, in turn, influences your ability to train. Josh shares his insights on two major peer-reviewed studies, using WHOOP to analyze data on sleep and physical activity. The results? The closer to bedtime you train, the more your sleep is affected. Whether you're an early bird, night owl, or somewhere in between, Emily and Josh offer science-backed strategies to optimize both sleep and physical performance without sacrificing either.

(00:33) Using WHOOP For Data Collection In Research Studies

(02:43) The Study: High Intensity Training’s Effects on Circadian Rhythm

(05:05) WHOOP Podcast Rapid Fire Questions

(06:06) Do Late Night Workouts Affect Sleep Quality?

(10:44) The Hawthorne Effect: What Is It and Why Is It Important?

(12:57) How Do Sleep Patterns Predict Next Day Performance? 

(17:32) What Happens To Exercise When Sleep Cycles Are Disrupted?

(23:47) Early Birds vs Night Owls: Why When You Train Matters

(30:21) How To Optimize Sleep and Exercise as a Busy Individual

(33:26) Advice & Practical Takeaways From The Study

(42:59)  What’s Next? Foreshadowing Future WHOOP Studies