CAN'T SLEEP - GET ON YOUR BIKE

The secret of a good night's sleep and coping with everyday stress is to cycle or walk to work.

Commuters who drive to their job suffer from greater anxiety and are more likely to sleep badly, a scientific report has revealed.

The study demonstrates a real health benefit in using two wheels or travelling on foot. It comes as the number of people taking advantage of the Cycle2Work scheme in the UK tops 500,000.

"These results endorse the choice that thousands of commuters have made in opting to get on their bikes," said Charles Ashwell, Halfords Head Of Cycle2Work. "Cycling builds exercise into the daily routine and is a fantastic antidote to the stressful lives we lead."

Researchers spent 12 months studying the lifestyles of 21,000 people aged between 18 and 65 who worked more than 30 hours a week and commuted by car, train, bus, cycle and foot. It found a marked difference in the groups.

The perceived stress levels of those using both the car and public transport rose during and after the commute.

Those in their own vehicle get anxious about arriving late because of the uncertainty of traffic jams and general congestion. Those on public transport claimed over-crowding and discomfort often caused a stressful and tiring commute.

The commuting experience for those who cycled and walked was perceived as more enjoyable, sociable and relaxing, as well as having the added benefit of keeping the walker or cyclist fitter and slimmer whilst saving on rising commuting costs.

This latest evidence of the wellbeing provided by daily and regular, physical exercise came from Lund University in Sweden, which spent a year on the in-depth study. Scientists there used a rating system to measure participants' stress and sleep patterns.

Those who drove reported up to a 62% higher rate of sleep disturbance than those who cycled or walked. They also reported having up to a 58% higher level of stress.

While those who took the bus or train stated that they had up to a 43% higher rate of sleeplessness and up to a 53% higher level of stress.

"Generally car and public transport users suffered more everyday stress, poorer sleep quality, exhaustion and, on a seven point scale, felt that they struggled with their health compared to the active commuters," said Erik Hanson, a Faculty of Medicine at Lund University.

This latest study supports previous research from Cycle England, suggesting that the increasing popularity of cycling has saved the National Health Service £107m over the past ten years and employers £87m through reduced absenteeism because of a fitter workforce.

Halfords confirmed cycling is growing in popularity because of the health and environmental benefits; at the same time motorists are being hit by higher fuel and insurance costs.

Charles Ashwell added: "We know from earlier studies that people who cycle to work have better health than those who drive and now this latest report provides even more scientific evidence.

"Cycling is growing in popularity and we are delighted that more companies and their employees are joining our Cycle2Work scheme. Apart from the health benefits the Cycle2Work scheme means people can acquire bikes at up to 42% off the usual price. So cycling to work makes you fitter and saves you money!"