Trouble Sleeping After Longish Rides
#26
Senior Member
Solution: Get out of bed and get on your bike. But seriously, on the Trans Am Bike Race, I didn't have this problem. After a whole day and maybe part of the night, my 5-6 hours of sleep were basically uninterrupted. On the one occasion I woke up before the alarm, I got up and hit the road. I'm usually a terrible sleeper. But this race fit me perfectly.
#27
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Often after a 200k ride, I'd love nothing more than a good nap. But I usually wake up after 2 hours, and the sleep wasn't good. And then at night, no sleep. So, strong coffee after a good ride helps me maintain a good sleeping schedule.
#28
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Easing off a little for the last few hours of the ride is helpful too I find.
#29
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A NSFW remedy comes to mind, the implementation depending on whether you have a significant other or not. But it can be really effective.
#30
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After long rides I'll often have to lay down for a half hour, not to cat nap but just to shift the body from workout to recovery. If I'm not careful about eating enough my blood sugar must go too low so I'll get sleepy. I'd suggest maybe eating some slices of high fiber bread and a glass of milk while doing your best to stay awake. Stretching helps keep you focused, moving.
#31
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I have had some sort of sleeping disorder my entire adult life. Although I've never gone to a sleep disorder clinic, I'm pretty sure it's not the usual apnea diagnosis. I personally think I just have an over-active brain and I'm unable to shut it down. Unfortunately, this problem has really interfered with my enjoyment while cycling. Not all the time, but before almost any planned activity whether it's a organized Century ride or just going out the next day with friends for a casual ride. I never sleep well the night before. I can't tell you how many times I've started a ride feeling exhausted.