SOUND ADVICE FOR RECOVERY SLEEP

"Northern lights above a cottage" taken by Chris on November 30, 2013 in Lapland Finland. From Flickr.com. License CC 2.0

RECOVERY SLEEP MUSIC AID Sleep is an essential part of recovery for runners; it’s been discussed previously on this blog. And let’s face it, a night of poor quality or inadequate sleep leaves many of us without much enthusiasm for ANY activity on the following day.
 
According to an article by SELF, posted on MyFitnessPal.com for Under Armor, the musical piece “Weightless”, was created by the UK band Marconi Union to help people who find they are unable to fall asleep. The article claims it has “helped thousands of listeners” since being released in 2011. The British Academy of Sound Therapy played a role in writing the ‘song’ with the band, incorporating sounds with a “heartbeat-like rhythm, calming melodies,” and gentle chimes that would provide a soothing experience to sleep hungry listeners. 
 
The key effect for sleep induction is relaxation it seems, so any music or sound concoction that an individual finds to be relaxing will possibly do the trick. I find that listening to whatever audiobook I am currently ‘reading’ has the same effect on me, when I can’t immediately fall asleep at night. I set the sleep timer for 30 minutes but probably need less than 15 minutes to fall asleep. In the morning, to get to where I recall last hearing the book, I’ve got to back up the full 30 minutes!
 
I gave “Weightless” a try in the mid-afternoon and it did not induce sleep. It wasn’t a full or fair trial, so perhaps it will work better at bedtime as prescribed by its creators. You can get to the music selection through the article or access it through a YouTube.com link below. The article has more comment about how this song may be able to decrease anxiety and possibly heart rate.
 
Please share your relaxation listens with Earned Runs. Help others build a selection from which to choose on the occasions when sleep is elusive and the night is starting to seem endless.
My best sleepy-time audiobook is “The Last Lion” by William Manchester (‘Visions of Glory’, Winston Spencer Churchill 1875-1832, Book 1). It’s otherwise a wonderful history that does not induce sleep during the daylight hours!
 
RUN HAPPY!
 
http://blog.myfitnesspal.com/8-minute-song-practically-guaranteed-help-sleep
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfcAVejslrU