Yesterday I spent a good bit of time shoveling snow. Way more physical exertion than I am used to.
After a workout like that, most people would sleep like a log, right? I guess I am not most people.
I used to be normal and sleep well after a lot of work, but sometime in my early thirties I switched. If I work hard in the yard, I sleep terribly. Starting at about 2ish, I wake up fully every thirty minutes. Toss and turn all night.
Has anyone else experienced this? Anyone have any ideas what would fix it?
I’ve only ever experienced this when my exertions caused significant muscle aches beyond what OTC analgesics could mute, and the pain kept me awake.
OTOH, I seem to have a knack for sleeping, so it’s unusual for anything to interfere with that.
Yeah are you taking anything for pain after you shovel? I know that I typically don’t get sore until a day later. You might be starting to get sore around 2 AM and it’s keeping you awake.
When was the last time you had a pretty thorough physical examination?
If it wasn’t recently … it’s probably time.
Nope. Pain is not an issue. I am just awake!
I usually get one every 1.5 years. No issues so far.
Are you hydrated before and after? Maybe a Gatorade when you’re done would get some electrolytes to where they need to be (it’s what plants crave!)
I have the same occurrence if I go to the gym after 7pm. It seems if I get my heartrate/metabolism/adrenaline going late in the day it keeps me awake for quite a while. Like having caffeine late in the day.
It sounds to me like you’re hitting a second sleep pattern.
Prior to artificial lighting, it was not uncommon for people to sleep in two shifts: go to bed at sundown, but wake up around midnight and stay awake for an hour or two, then go to sleep again.
Things like exercise and eating proteins in the evening can trigger it. Eating carbs can help the body sleep.
If you can’t get to sleep after waking up at 1 am, don’t toss and turn. Get up and stay up for half an hour or so, maybe eat some toast or that old standby of your grammie, drink a nice glass of warm milk. And don’t turn on a screen. Read a book in low light.
Then try to go back to sleep.
More on second sleep: