It was likely uttered first by Playboy playmates in the 1940s and afterwards became the go-to of every silent, sensitive type. But enjoying “long walks on the beach” may be more than just a clichéd romantic notion: According to a new study from the National Trust, people who take strolls along the seaside report sleeping much longer than those who take walks inland.
One hundred and nine participants ranging from ages 21 to 82 participated in the study, with 54 walking by the ocean and 55 walking inland and walking for an average of three hours and 40 minutes, or 7.24 miles. While there were benefits for both sets of walkers, the ocean group slept an average of 47 minutes longer after their stroll, versus the inland group’s 12 minutes.
“Coastal walkers are getting more sleep, and are more likely to show increased sleep quality and morning alertness,” said environmental psychologist Eleanor Ratcliffe in a press release related to the study, adding that coastal walkers associated thier strolls with family, childhood memories and holiday anticipation, too. Radcliffe said there’s something special about the coast, particularly as a palce to escape to that “can allow people to boost their mood, relax and sleep longer.”
For those of you who may not be so lucky to have the ocean in our backyards, and must settle for the symphony of muttering lunatics and crunching trashcans outside your windows, take comfort knowing you can amble while listening to the wide range of relaxing ocean sounds.
Save for spraying some Febreeze in your face, however, we don’t know what to do to make up for the lack of sea mist smell. In any case, go for a walk. It’ll be good for you, you romantic fools.
By Jeremy Grossman, Van Winkle’s
This article originally published by Van Winkle’s, vanwinkles.com, the editorial division of Casper Sleep