Sleep: Your Secret Weapon for Marathon Recovery

Why quality sleep could be your most important training tool, especially after race day

Crossing the finish line is a moment of triumph. You did it! 42.195 km of grit, guts and glory. And while your body might be calling it a day, the recovery journey is only just beginning.

That post-race high? Incredible. But it’s often followed by muscle soreness, mental fatigue and the kind of tired you feel in your bones. To truly bounce back, your body doesn’t just need a breather – it needs sleep.

And not just any sleep, but deep, restorative sleep.

Sleep smarter, recover faster

Marathon training and race day put your body through its paces. Quality sleep helps you:

• Rebuild muscle and repair tissue in deep (NREM 3) sleep
• Restore mental sharpness through REM sleep
• Regulate hormones and support immune function
• Replenish energy stores (like glycogen) for your next big run

Think of sleep as your body’s recovery headquarters, quietly working behind the scenes to repair, reset, and refuel.

Recovery tips for better shut-eye

Just like your running plan, good sleep requires routine and care. Try these strategies to help you wind down and rest up:

• Stick to a consistent bedtime and wake-up time even on rest days
• Create a cool, dark, and quiet sleep environment
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and screens in the hour before bed
• Try gentle stretching or meditation to ease into sleep mode

Want more guidance? Read our blog on sleep and marathon recovery.

Your bed deserves a PB, too

You wouldn’t run a marathon in the wrong shoes – so don’t recover on the wrong mattress. The right mattress and base can ease pressure, support alignment and help your body do its overnight repair work properly.

Not sure where to start? At Forty Winks, we use bedMATCH® technology to match your body to the best sleep solution based on over 1,000 scientific calculations. A supportive sleep setup can make all the difference to overnight recovery.

 Explore our range of products that will have you back to full performance in no time:

• Mattresses from leading brands, designed to provide pressure relief and comfort
• Adjustable bases that elevate rest with targeted support and improved circulation

Your next PB starts with better sleep. Because recovery doesn’t stop when your head hits the pillow – it starts there.

More recovery power, one sleep at a time

Sleep doesn’t just end your day, it sets up your next one. Whether you’re mid-training or fresh off your marathon triumph, prioritising quality rest is key to showing up, day after day, at your best.

Explore more sleep science and recovery tips at fortywinks.com.au or find your local store and speak with a Sleep Champion.

For every finish line, there’s a bedtime. Serious about recovery. Serious about sleep.