Could Running Help You Sleep? Infographic

Many people in the UK resolve to get fit in the New Year. In fact, one gym reported that their attendance jumped 40% between December and January! There are obvious benefits to exercising more - better fitness, improved self-esteem and higher energy levels. What is often overlooked however is how exercise - particularly running - can lead to a better night's sleep, less night-waking and improved control over your sleep-waking cycle.

Read our handy infographic to find out exactly how running could help you to sleep better!

Could running help you sleep? The short answer is: Yes! If you are a person who struggles with insomnia, restlessness, or night-waking, regular exercise may well be the solution you’ve been after. As well as tiring you out and making use of that excess energy, exercise can help regulate your natural circadian rhythms and ‘reset’ your sleep cycle. Once you learn to do this, the world of dreams is your oyster! Healthy Habits A group study done on insomniacs found that although running showed a positive impact on their sleep, it could take a long time to do so. The average was about 8 weeks, so don’t be discouraged if the effects aren’t immediate! Rather than a one-time effort, the benefits of running work best if they are integrated into your weekly routine. The same goes for fitness and weight loss too. Nothing worth having ever came easy! Morning Runs Most experts say that the best time to run is in the morning. Though a run close to bedtime may tire you out, falling into bed directly after such a stimulating activity is not a good recipe for sleep! Your body will still be in exercise mode and your heart will be pumping. Pair a morning or afternoon run with a good wind-down routine for the ideal night of dreamy slumber. Join an Elite Team When three-time London Marathon winner Paula Radcliffe is in a period of training, she reportedly sleeps nine hours a night as well as having a two-hour nap in the afternoon. Running can improve your sleep, which can improve your running, which improves your sleep! It’s a fantastic cycle that you can be a part of too. Here is the full content from the third infographic you uploaded: Could running help you sleep? The short answer is: Yes! If you are a person who struggles with insomnia, restlessness, or night-waking, regular exercise may well be the solution you’ve been after. As well as tiring you out and making use of that excess energy, exercise can help regulate your natural circadian rhythms and ‘reset’ your sleep cycle. Once you learn to do this, the world of dreams is your oyster! Healthy Habits A group study done on insomniacs found that although running showed a positive impact on their sleep, it could take a long time to do so. The average was about 8 weeks, so don’t be discouraged if the effects aren’t immediate! Rather than a one-time effort, the benefits of running work best if they are integrated into your weekly routine. The same goes for fitness and weight loss too. Nothing worth having ever came easy! Morning Runs Most experts say that the best time to run is in the morning. Though a run close to bedtime may tire you out, falling into bed directly after such a stimulating activity is not a good recipe for sleep! Your body will still be in exercise mode and your heart will be pumping. Pair a morning or afternoon run with a good wind-down routine for the ideal night of dreamy slumber. Join an Elite Team When three-time London Marathon winner Paula Radcliffe is in a period of training, she reportedly sleeps nine hours a night as well as having a two-hour nap in the afternoon. Running can improve your sleep, which can improve your running, which improves your sleep! It’s a fantastic cycle that you can be a part of too. New Year, New You! We’ve all heard the claims that New Year’s Resolutions have a low success rate, but the New Year can act as a clean slate. There’s no need to be bogged down by past experiences! It’s a time to leap out of your comfort zone and try something new. If you feel the benefits of running, we’re sure it will stick! Disclaimer: Although running has been proven to benefit sleep and a dozen other areas, it may be worth seeing if there is a specific reason you are struggling to sleep. If it is down to a persistent pain issue such as sore joints or arthritis, running could actually make the condition worse. If you feel this relates to you, it is always worth checking with your GP before starting an exercise regimen. Sources: https://www.runnersworld.com/sweat-science/how-exercise-helps-and-hurts-sleep http://womensrunninguk.co.uk/training/paula-radcliffes-marathon-tips/ https://www.shape.com/fitness/cardio/5-reasons-mornings-are-best-time-run Helping you and your family sleep better www.mattressonline.co.uk

We hope you found this information helpful and perhaps it has even inspired you to get your running shoes on. If you’d like to find out more about the effects exercise can have on your sleep, our article has lots of helpful information! Have a happy - and healthy - New Year!

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Could Running Help You Sleep? Infographic

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