If you're a keen walker, you know the feeling when the alarm's gone off and you're about to set off early: the legs feel leaden. It's easy to blame your fitness, the weather or even the breakfast you've eaten. Often, though, the real reason may have started the night before.
Sleep plays a crucial role in how well our bodies recover after long days out on the trail or tackling outdoor pursuits. And while there's no shortcut to a good night's sleep, a few quick fixes could make a huge difference to how your legs feel on those early morning hikes.
We've explored the top three ways to improve your sleep. Read on to discover more.
Tips at a glance
If you overheat at night... start with ventilation
On warmer spring and summer evenings it's common to feel too hot in bed. This can lead to a more easily disrupted sleep, which in turn leads to a groggier morning wakeup.
Keeping your bedroom well ventilated can help, but your sleep setup is important, too. You're after materials that encourage airflow and wick away heat, helping you stay more comfortable throughout the night.
Some hybrid mattresses combine spring structures with breathable foam, allowing better air circulation than traditional designs. Options like Eve's Hybrid mattress are medium-firm feel, paired with airflow-friendly layers that suit a vast majority of sleepers.
If you wake up stiff and achy... consider pressure relief
Long walks and outdoor activities can take a toll on joints, particularly the shoulders, hips and lower back. If your mattress is too soft, the pain affecting those pressure points will only suffer as they receive little to no support.
Finding the right balance between cushioning and support is important. Too soft, and your body may sink without proper alignment. Too firm and your joints might experience undue pressure. Sometimes, though, you may desire one or the other depending on how your body's responding to your day-to-day or prolonged exercise.
Some mattress designs do offer a bit of both. Flippable mattresses allow you to, literally, flip them from soft to firm depending on what feels most comfortable. The Eve Wunderflip Premium Hybrid is one option, combining spring support with pressure-relieving memory foam.
Why your mattress genuinely matters
A well-designed mattress can help keep your spine aligned, reduce pressure on tired joints and allow your body to settle more comfortably through the night — particularly important after long days outdoors.
If you're looking for something more responsive, higher-spec hybrid designs combine springs, foam and a top layer of latex. The Eve Wunderflip Ultimate Hybrid takes this approach and moulds to your body better than any of its other offerings.
Time your upgrade right
If your current setup isn't quite delivering, it may be worth reviewing what you're sleeping on. Especially if you've noticed recurring aches, overheating or restless nights.
Right now, selected hybrid designs are on sale for up to 50% off*. With a 200-night free trial and a 10-year warranty, at least you can both try before you buy and have confidence in their build quality.
When it comes to hiking or fitness, we often focus on gear, routes and fitness. However, the amount and quality of sleep you get the night before can shape how the next day feels. A new mattress won't necessarily transform every walk, but it might help you feel a bit lighter on your feet when the hike really gets going.
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*Offers subject to change. Please check website for full terms and conditions.
