Reason No. 23 to hike with kids: A better night sleep

Kids exposed to sunlight sleep better at night.

If your children keep falling asleep in school, you may want to take them for a hike – especially if their classroom doesn’t have windows.

Recent research by Northwestern University found that adults who worked in windowless offices slept 47 minutes less per night than those who enjoyed sunlit workspaces. Researchers suggested that exposure to natural light synchronized the circadian clock, ensuring better production of the sleep hormone melatonin during night.

Just a half-hour outdoors can make up for the difference. Not to mention the fresh air and physical activity will make any child sleep more soundly at night!

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.