Information reveals that a stroll by the sea can help you sleep longer – and better – as well as boost happiness and wellbeing
Research carried out by the National Trust has revealed that a coastal walk will make you sleep longer and feel happier. The survey, which is part of the National Trust’s Great British Walk campaign, discovered that coastal walkers in the UK sleep 47 minutes longer after a walk by the sea, and 36 per cent of people say that even just the thought of the ocean helps them sleep at night.
Presenter and avid walker Julia Bradbury commented on the new research: ‘I’ve walked the length and breadth of the country and taken in my fair share of coastal walks, with friends and with friendly TV crews! I can tell you firsthand that it helps you sleep like a baby.’ Not only does coastal walking benefit sleep patterns, but it also helps wellbeing – 46 per cent of you feel happier and 37 per cent feel healthier after a ramble along the shore.
Not convinced it’s exclusive to coastal walking? Research carried out by environmental psychologist Eleanor Ratcliffe showed that seaside walkers slept longer and better than inland walkers. They also associated the coast with happy memories of family and childhood more strongly than country ramblers. So, if science encourages it, don those walking boots and head to the coast!
The National Trust has recommended these 10 coastal walks help aid sleep and boost happiness:
1. There are breathtaking views of the Jurassic coast and the Purbeck countryside on the Old Harry Rocks walk
2. See stunning views across the bay towards Baggy Point and Morte Point on the Potters Hill and Woolacombe Down walk
3. Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters offers one of the longest stretches of undeveloped coastline on the south coast
4. Take in the sights at Newtown Nature Reserve estuary walk
5. Look out for rare sea birds and seals on a walk at the Blakeney National Nature Reserve
6. Explore the heathland peninsula on foot and enjoy amazing views over the Pembrokeshire coast at Marloes Peninsula
7. A bracing and beautiful coastal walk from Craster to Low Newton will clear the cobwebs
8. Discover Formby's hidden secrets, past and present
9. The Old Saltburn to Warsett Hill walk kicks off in the Victorian seaside town of Saltburn-by-the-Sea
10. The Runkerry trail near Giant’s Causeway is a spectacular clifftop walk with significant numbers of breeding skylark, stonechat, and linnet nearby
Read more coastal walking stories or keep up to date with our monthly shoreline walks in the magazine.
Read more coastal walking stories or keep up to date with our monthly shoreline walks in the magazine.
