Why Sleep Is the No. 1 Most Important Thing for a Better Body
Isn't it funny how we dreaded bedtime as children and look forward to it as adults? Now I feel like I can never get enough of it! It feel as if there aren't enough hours in a day. If you are working, going to school, or just have a hectic daily routine, I'm sure you can relate. Some people can function well on little to no sleep, while others feel the effects more. We have things like coffee and energy to help energize us on days we need a little boost, but becoming dependent on these things long term may not be ideal in regards to our health.
When you are well-rested, you perform at your best capacity. That means more intense gym sessions and less fatigue. We all know that feeling mid-workout when you want to give up because you are so tired. I also think everyone has had that time where they have chosen sleep over a workout. The goal is to schedule your day to fit in 7-8 hours of sleep along with time for physical activity, to balance the effects of both. Without a consistent sleep pattern it could potentially lead to weight gain due to various reasons such as your hormones being thrown off, including the hormone that increases hunger and appetite. Also, since you are awake for a longer period of time, you may become hungry more often. If you are up until 2am and you usually go to bed around 10pm, your body may feel hungry since your schedule is thrown off.
If you think you build muscle while you are in the gym, well you are wrong! You tear muscle fibers in the gym and repair/grow stronger muscle while you rest. Recovery time is crucial to a fitness regimen, which is why you should pay attention to your sleep schedule. Getting the 8 hour recommendation into your routine may help you feel more energized, work out harder and build lean muscle quicker than your lack-of-sleep regimen. When your muscles recover adequately, you are more likely to come back stronger than before.
Sleep tips:
- Create a consistent schedule
- Make sure you aren't hungry or stuffed when you go to bed
- Hours slept before midnight are usually higher quality than those following
- If you have trouble sleeping, avoid naps, especially in the afternoon
- Practice a relaxing bedtime ritual