How Sleep Affects Your Fitness Journey

How Sleep Affects Your Fitness Journey

In the fast-paced world of health and fitness, we often focus on high intensity exercise routines and relentless nutrition plans to achieve our fitness goals. But there is one crucial element that often goes unnoticed: Sleep. In this blog, we’ll explore the profound impact of sleep on your overall health and fitness journey, alongside ways in which you can get the quality rest you deserve. 

What Is Sleep?

Sleep is often underestimated as a stagnant period of rest however, it is a vital and complex process that plays a role in physical and mental rejuvenation whereby your body gets the opportunity to repair tissue, strengthen your immune system and assist with muscle recovery and development.

How Much Sleep Is Right For Me?

The total amount of sleep varies from person to person according to their age, lifestyle and overall health. The average amount per day is 7-9 hours for those aged 18-64. When you are deprived of sleep, you may experience significant side effects that include mood imbalances, weight gain, increased stress levels and a weakened immune system, to name a few. 

What Is The Relationship Between Sleep and Fitness?

Achieving your fitness goals is a two-part equation: Training and Recovery. While training challenges your body, recovery is where the actual progress happens. Having quality sleep aids in muscle repair, reducing the overall risk of injury and enhancing your performance during workouts. Without adequate sleep, your body does not get the chance to fully recover, leading to diminished gains and potential burnout, which results in not exercising at all.

How Do I Get Quality Rest?

  • Limit Your Screen Time Before Bed 
    •

    Switching off is a great way to find relaxation by reducing your alertness and overstimulation, which then allows you to clear your mind and allow your body to begin the process of sleeping. 


  • Reduce intake of Caffeine 
    •

    Caffeine is a stimulant that keeps you alert and interferes with your overall sleeping pattern. Consuming caffeine, especially later in the day can disrupt your sleep and make it difficult to rest. 


  • Avoid Heavy Meals Before Sleeping 
    •

    Having heavy meals before bedtime disrupts your sleeping process as it can cause digestive discomfort, bloating and irritability which can have a significant impact on your period of rest. 


  • Use Night Time Burn 
    •

    Night Time Burn is a great option to assist with getting sleep as it contains Passiflora and Valerian, which are natural sedatives that promote quality rest. In addition, Night Time Burn contains Ashwagandha, an adaptogen which helps to regulate cortisol and manage stress. It also assists with weight loss efforts to improve your overall health and fitness levels. 


    Sleep is one of the key secrets to reaching your overall health and fitness goals. By recognizing its impact on physical health, mental well-being and athletic performance - we can strive towards achieving optimal wellness. Let's make sleep a non-negotiable aspect of our lives and reap the numerous benefits it offers!


    Product Link: 

    Night Time Burn: https://www.npl.za.com/products/nighttime-burn?_pos=1&_sid=2eec0b329&_ss=r 


    References: 

    https://www.polar.com/blog/sleep-and-ultimate-fitness/

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