Sleeping after running?

Question

lately after i return for a any of my runs,6miles,9miles or just hill workout day,i nearly always have to sleep for an hour sometime later.

im unemployed so i normally run at 10.30-11am.and ive pretty much nothing else to do for the day.

i love running and feel great doing it,and it seems to be a relatively new thing,since i quit smoking two weeks ago.is it normal to want to sleep.ive never been lazy like that before,and im only six weeks unemployed so i would have taught i'd have even more energy?

Answer 1

Absolutely! if your body is telling you that you need rest, listen! especially if it is not causing any conflictions within your sched. also, YOUR BODY CREATES THE SAME AMOUNT OF MUSCLE MEMORY FOR THAT ACTIVITY (while you're sleeping) THAN WHEN YOU ARE ACTUALLY DOING THAT ACTIVITY! it's true!

Answer 2

To me, that what makes a good runner.  Rest, even if it means to sleep.  This does help restore your energy.  A lot of runners are not listening to their bodies, which can cause injuries.

congratulations on quitting smoking!!!!

Maybe you should apply at a running store, you'll get discounts and gain lots of knowledge.

Good luck and keep running! :)

Answer 3

It is probably normal, my brother always sleeps and he is a good runner. I never have to take naps and I am a good runner. It probably just depends on the person.

Answer 4

...

Congrats on quitting smoking, one of the best health decisions you can make!

***Running and naps***

I suspect most serious runners would want to have a schedule where they can nap after running.  I do my workouts fairly early in the morning, usually at 5 a.m., and by noon some days I am just ready to nod off.  Sometimes it means getting in the car for a quick nap!

***Stopping smoking and sleeping***

Also consider what you gave up when you stopped smoking:  nicotine, a stimulant.  

When many people stop smoking, they feel tired, and too often don't get the rest that their bodies normally need that they have likely been depriving themselves of.  Unlike yourself, a lot of people start eating instead of sleeping, and not too unusually gain ten to thirty pounds until they finally realize what they are doing.

**What to do!**

Getting the nap is not being lazy, it's probably the right thing to do as a response to running and not smoking.  If, however, you think you're not otherwise using your time productively, it may be because (the way it sounds), you don't have anything else productive that is pressing to do (like a job!).

So . . . you do have choices.  Employment, one place or another.  Volunteering.  Training for an Ironman (that'll take up your time quick!).  

Regards,

Phil

Answer 5

Thats completely normal

Answer 6

Well assuming your sleeping and eating habits are normal (that is 8+ hrs of sleep and a balanced diet), you could have a thyroid or iron deficiency. These are both common things that affect runners and athletes. I wouldn't be too worried just yet. If this persists for a couple weeks I'd get a blood test done, they can check for both deficiencies.