Quick summary: Recent research indicates that 93% of Britons experience improved sleep after spending time outdoors, suggesting that increased nature exposure could serve as a vital non-clinical intervention for the nation’s well-being. By strengthening the circadian rhythm and facilitating a shift towards the parasympathetic nervous system, outdoor activity offers a practical solution to rising stress levels and poor sleep hygiene. These findings advocate for a shift in public health policy to encourage green space engagement regardless of weather conditions, potentially reducing the long-term burden on healthcare services through enhanced physiological and mental resilience.
Interest in exploring the British countryside is rising, with UK Google searches for hikes 51% higher than last year and walking routes up 19%. National parks have attracted 86,000 searches in the last month alone.
Beyond fresh air, being outdoors offers benefits to all aspects of health and well-being, from enhancing sensory exploration in children to strengthening the circadian rhythm. A recent survey of 1,000 Britons by Parkdean Resorts found that 93% notice their sleep improves after spending time outdoors during the day. However, outdoor activity remains weather-dependent for many, as 41% of respondents say they would be more likely to holiday in the UK if sunshine were guaranteed.
To encourage the nation to embrace nature this spring, Parkdean partnered with practitioner psychologist Dr Ravi Gill and sleep expert and founder of The Sleep Site Dave Gibson to highlight the benefits of the outdoors in all weather conditions.
Rain enhances sensory exploration
Dr Ravi Gill explains that rain reduces crowds and noise, creating calmer environments. Cooler, damp conditions can enhance sensory grounding through the smell of petrichor and tactile sensations that heighten awareness.
“For families, rainy outdoor play encourages creativity, sensory exploration and resilience. It also gently challenges the nervous system to tolerate mild discomfort, which can build confidence and flexibility over time,” Gill says.
Physical and mental health benefits of nature
Spending time in natural environments supports the body in several ways:
- Mental health: Exposure to green space reduces cortisol, lowers heart rate, and supports the parasympathetic nervous system. This allows the brain’s directed attention system to rest, aiding cognitive recovery and mental clarity.
- Immune function: Diverse natural environments introduce the body to a broader range of microbes, supporting immune diversity.
- Physical resilience: Adapting to changes in temperature, light, and terrain builds physiological resilience. Outdoor activity also supports cardiovascular health and muscle strength, while sunlight aids vitamin D production.
Natural light and sleep quality
Dave Gibson notes that being in nature provides a double benefit for sleep by reducing stress and anchoring the body clock. This strengthens the circadian rhythm, which supports the release of the sleep hormone melatonin later in the evening.
“It is recommended that we get a minimum of 30 minutes of 1,000 lux light every day to anchor our body clock,” Gibson explains. “One of the problems of staying indoors all day is that the light strength is often below 500 lux, and even sitting next to a window typically delivers only 700 lux. As a comparison, the strength of light, even on a dull UK day, is between 1,000 and 5,000 lux.”
The therapeutic effect of rain sounds
Steady, predictable rain can also assist in falling asleep by helping the autonomic nervous system enter a relaxation state. Gibson describes the rhythmic drumming of rain on a roof as a “sound cocoon” similar to pink noise. This acts as a mask for sudden noises that might otherwise wake a person during lighter sleep stages.
Gibson recommends 60 minutes of wind-down time before bed. To assist with this, Parkdean has created a Spotify playlist, “Caravan Rain Sounds“, featuring 60 minutes of soothing noise.
Encouraging British exploration
Anthony Reilly, Marketing Director at Parkdean Resorts, says there is a surge in demand from people wanting to enjoy what the UK offers regardless of the weather.
“The Rainy Day Report highlighted many breathtaking beaches and towns across Britain. Bournemouth Beach was awarded the best beach to visit on a rainy day and can be easily accessed from our Sandford Park. Or if you want the best chance of sunny weather, our Vauxhall Park makes the perfect base for accessing Great Yarmouth, which the report crowned one of the driest holiday destinations,” Reilly says.
The survey involved 500 men and 500 women in the UK via the Onepulse platform. Beach rankings were determined using a weighted scoring model based on coastal shelter, indoor amenities, and weather data.