Can't sleep after a rest day?

Training Advice/Discussion

6 years ago 07/24/2017 12:51pm EDT

I recently took a complete rest day from running for the first time in like a month, and when the day was over and I went to bed I literally could not fall asleep for hours. I probably went to bed around 10:30 and didn't fall asleep until 1:00 AM or later.

Obviously I think its because I did not run, so I still had too much energy to go to bed. I feel like not getting the proper amount of sleep because of this may have made the rest day not really worth it. If the whole point of the rest day is to recover from a few weeks of running, and the best way to recover is by sleeping, than aren't I only hurting myself by not running and sleeping less?

Would it be more beneficial to not take a day off and instead do a shorter easy run so I can get a good amount of sleep?

6 years ago 07/24/2017 12:56pm EDT

re: not tired

Or perhaps take a hike, go for an easy bike ride, nice little walk after dinner, yoga, etc.

6 years ago 07/24/2017 12:58pm EDT

re: not tired

not tired wrote:
I recently took a complete rest day from running for the first time in like a month, and when the day was over and I went to bed I literally could not fall asleep for hours. I probably went to bed around 10:30 and didn't fall asleep until 1:00 AM or later.
Obviously I think its because I did not run, so I still had too much energy to go to bed. I feel like not getting the proper amount of sleep because of this may have made the rest day not really worth it. If the whole point of the rest day is to recover from a few weeks of running, and the best way to recover is by sleeping, than aren't I only hurting myself by not running and sleeping less?
Would it be more beneficial to not take a day off and instead do a shorter easy run so I can get a good amount of sleep?

Personally I do not like full days off. I have the same problems as you and when I don't run, everything feels messed up. On my "rest" or "easy" days (or whatever you call them) I will do like 2-4 miles and plenty of foam rolling to keep loose, even when I do 70+ mpw. Doing a short, slow, easy run can actually speed recovery by making more blood flow to your muscles, and in my experience, I feel much better and less tight the next day when I hit the miles again.

Most importantly, do whatever suits you to get the proper amount of sleep. Sleep is important and if running helps you do it then by all means do it. Feel free to cross train if you are super tired, that always helps get rid of excess energy.

6 years ago 07/24/2017 1:16pm EDT

re: Johnny Karate

Wow I didn't even consider doing something like biking. That'd probably be perfect, I can give my legs a rest from running for a day like planned but still get some exercise and be able to sleep

Reply Replying to

Username

Password

Leave the password field blank to post anonymously.

Post Preview

By posting you acknowledge that you have read and abide by our Terms and Conditions.

Remember me on this device.

Can't sleep after a rest day?

Of General Interest

This thread has already been deleted.

You have been subscribed.

Can't sleep after a rest day?

Follow mrtalent

Block mrtalent

Of General Interest

This thread has already been deleted.

Reply Replying to

You have been subscribed.