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Rest and Recovery After Outdoor Activity

Western Australia

Details

Distance

6.2 miles

Route Type

Point-to-Point

Description

Added by Anton Lucanus

You’ve unlaced your hiking boots and had some well-deserved time outdoors. It’s been a day, and there’s no better feeling than knowing that your bed is waiting for you at home. Sounds good, right? But unfortunately, the thought of sleeping after an especially active day is easier said than done for some of us. Whether you've trekked miles at Yellowstone or paddled down the Bayou, restlessness can set in the minute you try to settle down. Even if you don’t struggle to nod off initially, you’ll probably feel exhausted in the morning from a bad night’s sleep or sore muscles.

The good news is that there are some things you can do to overcome what may seem like the inevitable. You can enjoy a long day out and a restful night of sleep by following the tips in this guide. We look at things that you can do before, during and after your adventure to ensure that you can rest properly. Keep reading to find out what they are.

Why sleeping well is essential after a night out

Long nights are exhausting, and the older you get, the more you will feel them the next day. From a headache to aching feet, there’s always some evidence of the night before. It’s because of this that sleeping well after a night out is so important. Your body needs to rest, and if it doesn’t, you could be feeling the effects of a long night for days after.

Now that we’ve explained why a good night’s sleep is essential, it’s time to look at how you can work on feeling better rested after a night out. Check out our tips below.

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Our top tips for recovering after an epic adventure:

1. Invest in a great mattress

No matter how strict your bedtime routine is after a night out, you won’t sleep well if your bed is uncomfortable. So if you follow only one piece of advice from this article, let it be that a great mattress is well worth the investment.

The importance of your mattress should not be underestimated. With so many different mattresses and materials to choose from, it can become a difficult decision. We recommend checking out an AirFoam mattress, which provides better pressure relief for joints and muscles. A good option is Nolah Mattress, which is also having a summer sale at the moment!

2. Plan your routine properly

It might not sound very adventurous, but after a big trip, you should have a proper routine for settling down. We’re talking about the little things like having comfortable PJs ready and having the bed made. This means that there’s nothing for you to do when you get home other than to relax and begin winding down.

3. Create the perfect environment for sleep

No matter how tired you may be, don’t crash on the sofa. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it’s likely to be noisy and the wrong temperature too. You might even wake up with a stiff neck or even more sore muscles than necessary. To feel your best in the morning, you need uninterrupted sleep on a comfortable, supportive surface. Even if you think you’re a heavy sleeper, your rest won’t be as restorative on the sofa.

4. Avoid caffeine

An energy drink or coffee may feel great at the time, but caffeine is detrimental to your sleep cycle. Drinking large amounts of caffeine during intense physical activity might help you power through, but it’s also likely to dehydrate you and disrupt your So stick to non-caffeinated drinks when you can.

5. Reconsider Trail Beer

Our bodies take time to process alcohol, and there's a lot going on in our bodies at the same time. Alcohol can cause you to need to use the restroom more frequently, disrupting your sleep. If you know you'll be leaving in a few hours, it's a good idea to forego the beer or wine in favor of water. Not only will this prevent a hangover, but it will also help you relax before bedtime.

6. Avoid smoking too close to bedtime

Nicotine, like alcohol, can be a stimulant. If you smoke a cigarette too close to bedtime, you may experience restlessness. It is suggested that you avoid smoking at least 2 hours before going to bed.

7. Eat some fiber

After a long day of exploring, you definitely deserve a snack! It may even assist you in getting a better night's sleep. The secret is to eat the correct foods while doing so. Foods high in fiber, such as bread or fruit, aid digestion and are less likely to keep you awake. Avoid anything with too much sugar, as you may have an unwelcome spike of energy.

8. Put down the devices

When you come home and get ready for bed, it's tempting to look back at the amazing images from your excursion or to check social media. The problem is that we can easily become engrossed in scrolling on our phones for hours. We strongly advise you to put your phone on silent mode and forget about the world for a few minutes in order to have a better night's sleep as soon as possible.

9. Take water to bed

A lot of physical activity might dehydrate you to the point that you wake up in the middle of the night. You won't have to get out of bed and find your way to the kitchen if you anticipate it and have a drink of water nearby. This reduces interruption and allows you to wake up feeling more refreshed.

10. Switch off the alarm

This isn't a luxury you'll always have, especially if you have children or have to go to work the next day after a wild night out. Turn your alarm off if at all feasible, and get the extra hours of sleep your body requires after a physically-challenging day.

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Even if you only follow a couple of these instructions, you will likely notice a significant improvement in your sleep after a big adventure. But, on the other hand, if you can perfect them all, you could just wake up feeling ready to tackle a new summit!

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Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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