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
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Brighton, Michigan
Posts: 663
Bikes: Optima Baron LR, '14 Nishiki Maricopa,'87 Trek 330 Elance, '89 Miyata 1400, '85 Peugeot PGN10, '04 Fuji Ace, '06 Giant Rincon, '95 Giant Allegre, '83 Trek 620, '86 Schwinn High Sierra
Liked 164 Times
in
108 Posts
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.
#29
working on my sandal tan
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CID
Posts: 22,652
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Liked 2,579 Times
in
1,586 Posts
A NSFW remedy comes to mind, the implementation depending on whether you have a significant other or not. But it can be really effective.
![Wink](images/smilies/wink.gif)
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Central Io-way
Posts: 2,690
Bikes: LeMond Zurich, Giant Talon 29er
Liked 643 Times
in
480 Posts
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
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Los Alamitos, Calif.
Posts: 2,491
Bikes: Canyon Endurace
Liked 935 Times
in
544 Posts
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.