I have been working out fairly regularly for the last couple years, but sometime over the past year I have developed a problem. I cannot sleep on the days that I workout. I have tried working out at all times of the day (have settled on 3pm because it works well with my grinding schedule). Working out first thing in the morning did not help. I have tried various otc drugs/supplements, like ZMA, melatonin, and valerian root. These help me sleep through the night, but actually falling asleep is a huge struggle. I usually start winding down around 11pm, watch TV or listen to a podcast for an hour or two, then try to fall asleep.

Just to be clear, I rarely have trouble sleeping on non-workout days.

Could it have something to do with my eating patterns on workout days? I don't eat a big breakfast or lunch because I am busy playing poker, then I go to the gym and eat alot when I get back, from 5pm-10pm (often slam a protein shake around 1030 or 11).

One thing I notice is that my heart beats quite hard, and somewhat fast, while trying to fall asleep on my workout days. This is despite having a clear mind, and feeling relatively relaxed and stress-free.

Another thing I find interesting is that if I have any alcohol on an evening of a workout day, it becomes pretty much impossible to sleep (might not fall asleep for 4-5 hours after "going to bed")

I need some help/suggestions guys. At this point I feel like just giving up on the gym because sleep is so important. The doctor that I talked to about this just suggested melatonin.

Melatonin like the others is really only going to help you sleep through the night although some people say it helps them fall asleep. Obv you're going to want to cut out and pre-wo supp you're on.

It seems like you go to the gym pretty late usually when I go to the gym past 6-7pm it takes me a little longer to sleep. I like to make my room really dark and listen to Sigur Ros also I drink an herbal tea they sell at vitamin shop that works quite well.