The benefits of good quality sleep

Are you all winding down for Christmas? Are you looking forward to having a peaceful time…catching up on some well-deserved rest?

Rest is so important especially if you are very active and hitting the gym regularly.

Did you know that exercise can help you sleep sounder and longer and feel more awake during the day?

Exercising vigorously within three hours of your bedtime can actually make it harder to fall asleep. It stimulates your heart, brain and muscles, the opposite of what you want at bedtime.

The benefits of good quality sleep include:

Reduced inflammation (getting less than 6 hours of sleep increases blood levels of inflammation)

Strengthens your immune system

Increases memory, learning and cognitive skills.

Increased melatonin (lowers cancer risk and increases ability to sleep)

Stronger heart muscles (sleep deprivation has been shown to increase blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Reduces the risk of type 2 Diabetes

Increases creativity

Under 6.5 hours is detrimental to your health and some people need 9 hours of sleep to function well during the day. So there is a 2.5 hour window and you fit somewhere into it.

When you sleep your body produces Human Growth Hormone (HGH) which helps your body to preserve muscle while burning fat.

HGH is critical for tissue repair, muscle growth, healing, brain function, physical and mental health, bone strength, energy and metabolism. Getting the right amount of HGH is crucial for optimal health and fitness.

So do your homework and figure out how much sleep is the right amount you need to be active and productive on a daily basis.

“The only bad workout is the one that didn’t happen.”