Do many of you feel a great urge to take a postride nap? There are days after a hard ride that I just fall into a period that I just cannot stay awake in.

Endorphin high...sense of well-being...the world as it should be...yeah, think I'll take a nap!

Yes, but I did the same thing in my 20's. In fact I probably take fewer post-ride naps now 'cause I'm busier.

I'm lucky.

I don't need a ride as an excuse to take a post-ride nap.

Yup, but no nap today because of post ride grass cutting duties.

I feel like a post ride beer more than a nap. What I suffer from is just the opposite. Yesterday I did a very hard ride and when I do this I have a devil of a time getting to sleep the night after. I just can't get to sleep even though I am dog tired. I toss - I turn. I take a single Tylenol PM and that usually kicks me over the edge.

I'm with cyclinfool on this- I have a hard time sleeping after evening rides, but it's a very pleasant form of insomnia. I guess I like the endorphins too much to sleep through 'em

Yes. But for some reason just in the the last few years if I nap during the day I don't sleep at night. At 55 you would think I could sleep all I want. Go figure

I am not a good napper... I awake feeling groggy and wishing I hadn't slept. So, no urge to nap.

I go on these 8+hour rides in the mountains with people who are fitter and faster than me and I am dog tired afterward. If I recline on the couch I will nod off. I go to bed early if I take a nap or not.
Sometimes if I really overdo it trying to keep up with the faster people I will have rapid heartbeat at night and that makes it hard to go to sleep.

I feel the post-ride urge to eat crackers. I love naps, but am too wired after riding. I usually nap before a ride, if its the weekend. For me, naps are a 50+ benefit that I plan to take full advantage of until the "big nap" comes along.

I'm so busy these day, I have to do most of my napping at work.

Just be careful you don't sleep past quitting time.

Madmaxx

Serious answer to an interesting question: "Yes."

I'm 58 and reasonably fit, did a Half-Iron man and two marathons within the past six months and race shorter tri's regularly. My Saturday morning rides are two to three hour "throw downs" with some younger guys. I start my nap at about 11:00 a.m. If not, I'm no good for the rest of the day.

More sensible rides don't have the same effect.

Tyson
Cushing, OK

Depends. Some days I don't have to ride a bike to need a nap. Other days a nap is the last thing on my mind (or schedule).

What's more important is to be able to take a nap when I need one.

For me I think it depends more on the factors which have preceded the ride than anything else. I definitely hit that late afternoon/early evening low point more readily nowadays, so if I've started a ride that is gonna finish about then I'll almost certainly feel like napping afterwards. Same goes if I've not slept well enough the preceding evening.

But I don't really think it's the riding itself which causes it, even if I've ridden quite hard for a lengthy period.



This analysis, of course, is subject to possible change with the continuing progression of time

I find that I've always been able to take quick "cat naps" at any time of day for almost any reason. But, I've been doing this for over 35 years. A 10 to 15 minute nap after a ride is no different than a 10 to 15 minute nap after dinner.

Yes, but dehydration plays a role in most cases. If I stay adequately rehydrated (and nourished) during the ride, I am fine and don't need the nap.

+1 - Although groggy's the least of it; my wife would tell you that a short nap leaves me in a frame of mind where grizzly bears would avoid me!

There was a time (a few years ago) when I would do a 40 mile ride and I'd need to sleep for 3 or 4 hours after.
Now I don't feel like suiting-up unless I can ride at least 40 miles. Preferably 60+.
Even after the long rides I don't have an urge to nap any more. But I do sleep well that night.

+1

I've never been able to take a nap during the day. I also don't see how people can fall asleep while watching television....it's just something I can't do.

One the one hand, I've heard you know you're old when you start waxing poetic about the great nap you took.....

but on the other hand, I often end up napping after a good ride. Most of my good rides are on weekends, I don't have to work, no stress, I can even relax to the point of napping. Life is good!

I usually find myself ready for a nap after a longer or faster ride. It worked out great last Saturday -- I slept right through the yard work I'd promised my wife I'd do.

On Sunday I rode 8 miles, met a friend, and we rode very hard and agressively over rollers for 44 more miles until we parted at 52 miles. On the last 8 miles retruning home I bonked. I felt it coming and backed way off on effort but still went "into the energy black hole". On the ride I only ate a couple packs of GU and only had two bottles of water. I only intended to ride 35 to 40 miles so I did not bring Gatorade. That night I hardly slept at all even though I was very tired. My body was singing to me all night. Hopefully this is my annual bonk and I'll plan better for future rides.

Why is it that I can do a 14 hour ride and stay awake and Nearly energetic- but 4 hour Sunday ride and I miss the Grandprix in the afternoon? ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.