Get Running Forums

I have a couple questions. Okay, I'm someone who's never had an issue with sleep, other than not being able to wake up. I just started this program on Thursday, and because I do not want to be seen running, I wait till 9-9:30 P.M to go for my runs. Well, thursday night, I had my first run. I felt wonderful about myself for being able to say "hey, I just did over 6k according to this meter", and figured I'd be able to fall asleep as soon as I got home (10:30, 11 o' clock P.M, somewhere in that time frame). Well, I can certainly say I was exhausted when I got home. But, for whatever reason, I tossed and turned and didn't even get 5 minutes of real sleep that night. Last night, I had my second run. It's now 5:30 A.M, haven't fallen asleep no matter how bad I want to.
So, my questions..
1) does anyone else have this problem?
2) is this common with those of us who run at night?
3) without changing my schedule because I am far from a morning person, how can I make it so that I can still sleep at night?
Much appreciated input!
~Shea

I'm sorry that I can't offer any real advice, but I want to weigh in with my own experience: I do my runs in the morning. At first it was out of sheer necessity, because once the sun is up during a Florida summer, you can't run without risking heatstroke. But I've come to love it! I'm no morning person, but my son is, and I'm up for the day with him around 7 am, and usually out running by 8 or 9. It is better than coffee for perking me up and clearing my head! I seem to take that buzz with me all day, and everything just seems easier, I am more alert, less stiff, less foggy in the head. I can't imagine doing my running at night, because, like you, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be able to sleep.

I don't have this "problem" but my GF does (not that bad though). If she exercise after 7PM, she'll have issues falling asleep.

I'm not a morning guy either but I always run in the morning. I'm less tired than in the evening and I'm happy that it's done. I'm pretty sure you won't mind being seen running in a few weeks. In the meantime, try it a few times in the morning and see if you like it.

I think there is a link between running late at night and insomnia. I've experienced the same, and I did some research on the internet. It has something to do with the level of epinephrine, if I'm right.
Now I don't run later than 8.30pm, and I make sure I do some relaxing stuff after my run (watch some tv, read a book, etc.). This helps me.