For some people, perhaps. Since July I have been walking in the mornings, I’m up to 2 miles (not much but you have to understand how out of shape I was to appreciate it). I am not particularly energized (perhaps that will come) AND I still dont’ sleep well.
I think it’s important to remember that everyone is different and while there are basic principals, not everyone responds the same way. There are many variables.
I will still continue to walk in the morning anyway, because I just like to get it over with. :)
Oh, and I recall a study (but this was years ago, maybe it has been debunked) that said that exercising on an empty stomach actually caused you burn fewer calories, since your body didn’t know if you were going to get fed or not, and you might need to save that fat for later.
Trust me. You burn the calories.
I started off slow too. The trick is to now increase the intensity slowly. IT has taken me over a year to get to this point, so you want to go in the right direction.
You will feel energized in direct proportion to the degree you increase intensity. I was where you are at.
Also treadmill/stairclimber/swimming is much easier on the knees than running on the pavement.