When we think about running, we don’t always think about the every day things we do that can can affect our running. One of those things is sleep. Sleep – quality sleep – plays a huge role in running and specifically, training for a half marathon or full marathon.

Go To Bed At The Same Time Every Night

Your body will tell you when it is tired and when it’s ready to go to sleep. Listen to it. If you follow the natural clock of your body and go to sleep when you are tired, you will fall sleep easily.

Limit Strenuous Activity Before Bed

Take time to wind down at least a couple hours before bedtime. Let your body – and mind – relax after a busy day. This also gives your muscles time to recover.

Skip That Nap

No matter how much you love an afternoon nap, they can sometime hinder your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep at night. Skip that nap and sleep better at night. Sometimes, too much sleep can work against you. Save the sleep for night time and sleep better.

Turn The Lights Off

Try to sleep in a dark room. Your body responds to dark, it’s natural for us to be sleepy at night and awake during the day. If possible, avoid electronics and television at bedtime.

A good night’s sleep helps more than just your running and training. It can also help with anxiety and our overall well-bring as we go about our day-to-day lives. No matter how busy your life is and how many miles you know you have to run each day, take the time to get the rest you need each night. Your body will thank you for it.