Insomnia and running, not a good mix!

[orangeguy]

Morning fellow runners For well over a week I have no idea why but I have not been sleeping well. My first reaction was not to run for the time being, then I thought I would just try a short run. I ran to the local park and did a lap then ran back home, a total of just 3.15k. I felt really shattered for the rest of the day but thought maybe it would help me sleep, I can’t say it really did.

For some reason I decided to do the same thing the next day, maybe with the thought that at least I am doing something even if it’s not my 3 times a week 5k+ distances. I have done this now for six days on the trot, I’m still not sleeping any better but I have to say I don’t feel any worse for my daily “mini runs”. Whether this is a good idea or not I don't know as at 61 I'm no spring chicken but I'm doing it

I hope to get back to my normal 3 times a week longer distances soon when I’m back to normal sleeping but I just wondered what other people’s experiences were with running shorter distances but running every day (yes, I know this goes against the rest day thinking). Looks like good weather this weekend, have a great running weekend all.

[Hidden]

Well you know I can relate to this! I’m in an insomnia cycle. I bought some better earplugs and it helped last nigh but still knackered. I literally physically can’t do longer runs right now and 1.45k was my pathetic attempt yesterday. I hope this passes soon for both of us and, like you, I’m determined to keep the running ticking over x

[orangeguy Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Flick, yes thats what I'm doing, keeping things ticking over I'm not sure whether running 3k every day is the right thing to do, but it makes me feel I am at least doing something.

[Hidden]

I think I read somewhere over training can affect your sleep patterns .. not necessarily the reason behind your sleep problems as many things can affect sleep.

Hopefully your sleep will improve soon

[orangeguy Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Well I'm going to get back to my three longer runs a week next week, lets hope I'm sleeping better by then.

[SlowLoris]

For me, having worked shifts for a number of decades, being tired from lack of sleep and from physical activity are every different. Of course lack of sleep does make any exertion a lot harder and a bit of a metal struggle as well. I think keeping up the running can only help, just reduce the intensity or duration. Any ideas what's causing the insomnia? (Can't be Mr. IDS because he's at Flick's house.)

[orangeguy Graduate10 in reply to SlowLoris]

Certainly not Mr IDS . . . really not sure, maybe just one of those things.

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

Hopefully the insomnia is temporary but exercise at night can cause sleeplessness. I suffered from insomnia years ago but signed on to an online thing that helped me a lot and I rarely suffer from it now. If you want details let me know,

As for the running every day, try it but build up slowly. You know your body best and know what it can do. If you're doing it and you feel fine then it's obviously working for you but keep an eye on your total weekly mileages.

[orangeguy Graduate10 in reply to Irishprincess]

Thank you, I did have slightly better night last night so fingers crossed I may have turned the corner. I do prefer the longer runs and I have got slightly fed up with dodging large groups of dog walkers around my local park on my daily mini runs this week too

[ju-ju- Graduate10]

I’m sorry to hear about your insomnia, I’m guessing you have ‘stuff’ going on ? As for running, I run every day short distances and it’s a really good start to the day. That and a bit of yoga/ stretching/ upper body or strength work is the sort of start everyone should have.

[orangeguy Graduate10 in reply to ju-ju-]

Running every day this week has been interesting, I had a slightly better night last night so I'm going to get back to my normal 3 times a week running next week, well thats the plan anyway

[Pippatong]

Insomnia is horrible and I feel your pain. Running never helps me to sleep but I do go to bed knackered. What about relaxation exercises (mindful rather than physical) when you are in bed at night. Also, if I sleep badly and wake early I tell myself I must have only needed 4hours 😂😂 . little and often with running must be good for you, better than feeling sorry for yourself on the sofa. Best wishes.

[Razouski]

Insomnia is horrid. When I first lost my hearing a few years ago I had dreadful insomnia for about 8 months because of chronic tinnitus. I still have the tinnitus but used relaxation exercises and some prescription drugs to help me to stop focusing on it at night and get some sleep.

I find code helps, but not if it’s in the evening. I usually run first thing in the morning.

Have you tried lavender oil, or lavender pillow spray. This can help too. I get through buckets of the stuff.

Hope you get it sorted soon.

[Agelesslass Graduate10]

Hi Orangeguy, personally I would not run everyday like you have, I feel you have got into a bit of a rut. Why aren’t you sleeping? Is something worrying you in your life? If it continues you must seek your GP’s advice. You would be better running your 5k every other day and on rest days go for a long walk, read a book or whatever else you enjoy, hope this helps. Take care.

[orangeguy Graduate10 in reply to Agelesslass]

I am going to try and get back to my three longer runs a week next week I think, I slept a bit better last night so I am hoping thats a good sign.

[Hidden]

Hope you sleep better tonight orange guy. I get insomnia too and I can get quite fretful before a long run 'in case' I don't get 8 hours. If I don't, I tell myself that I'll do a slow, shorter run and it'll be OK and it takes the pressure off. I heard magnesium is good for restless legs which can be a side effect of longer distances, or so I'm told.

[Deals1 Graduate10]

Hi. Hope you are now sleeping better. I've been the same recently and I don't really know why.... I thought doing more exercise would help. Hope your running is going good too