Sleep Tight! How Sleep is Your Body’s Superhero Cape
Despite being critically important for our health, sleep is a subject that is frequently ignored. We all enjoy pressing the snooze button, but did you know that getting some shut-eye can improve your health and fitness? As we examine the top four advantages of sleep, you may want to reconsider your late-night Netflix marathons. Buckle up and get ready to be shocked!
Energize Your Workouts
Do you ever wake up after a restful night of sleep feeling like you could take on the world? It turns out that sleep acts as a kind of hidden energy supplement for your workouts. When you get enough sleep, your muscles have time to recover and grow, which enhances their strength and endurance. According to a research in the Journal of Sports Sciences, athletes with enough sleep were able to run more quickly and perform better in general than their sleep-deprived counterparts. Put your running shoes by your bed and let sleep help you achieve your fitness objectives!
Weight Management Made Easy
Pay attention, all you calorie counters and weight-fighters! Getting enough sleep can be the final piece of the weight loss jigsaw for you. Our hunger hormones are messed up when we don't get enough sleep, which increases our appetites and makes us more likely to reach for the bag of chips rather than a healthy snack. A study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people with lower body mass indices (BMIs) were more likely to have shorter sleep durations. So go to sleep and feel lighter both literally and figuratively when you wake up!
Mental Agility and Focus
Sleep is a powerful tool for your brain as well as for your muscles and weight. Recall the late-night studying sessions in college? Yes, let's not say those again. Cognitive function, memory, and decision-making abilities are all affected by sleep deprivation. In fact, a study that was published in Nature indicated that people who were sleep deprived had cognitive impairment equivalent to that of those who were legally drunk! Give your brain the rest it needs if you want to master that presentation or dominate your daily gym routine.
Boost Your Immune System
Ah, the enduring quest of a robust immune system. Guess what, though? Your immune system's best buddy is sleep! Your body releases cytokines, which are proteins that aid in the fight against infection and inflammation, while you're off dreaming. According to a research in JAMA Internal Medicine, persons who get less than six hours of sleep each night have a four times higher chance of getting the flu than those who get more than seven. In order to allow your immune system work its magic, snuggle up in those soft sheets.
P.S. If you’re in the market for a new sleep mask or have never tried one before, here’s a link to the one I use. It feels like I’m wearing nothing, which is always a big plus for me when trying to catch some zzz’s.
Sleep is the "secret sauce" for a vibrant and satisfying existence, helping you to maintain a healthy weight, increase your mental function, and fortify your immune system. Therefore, the next time you consider binge-watching one more episode, stop and analyze your options before choosing to get some rest. You'll feel better inside and out.
It's not just about the reps and the kale smoothies, my dear readers; it's also about those wonderful dreams! One well-rested day at a time, go to sleep soundly and get up prepared to take on the world.
References:
- The Journal of Sports Sciences: "Effects of sleep deprivation on performance during sub-maximal and maximal exercise."
- European Journal of Clinical Nutrition: "Short sleep duration and excess bodyweight: a systematic review and meta-analysis."
- Nature: "Neural consequences of sleep deprivation."
- JAMA
