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Why We Need Sleep
Sleep is probably the single most underestimated tool for health and recovery.
How do you feel when you’re even a little sleep deprived?
Hungry, irritable, distracted, demotivated, weak, tired (obviously) and so many more adverse effects.
Sleep is essential for basic maintenance and repair of the neurological, endocrine, immune, musculoskeletal and digestive systems.
We can live longer without food than you can without sleep.
Yeah, you heard that right, it’s important.
Improved sleep time and quality will help you:
*Reduce bodyfat
*Balance hormones
*Avoid depression
*Increase immune function
*Heart disease, etc…and it will definitely help you become a better athlete.
When you get the quality sleep you need, your body is refreshed, your mind is clear, and you generally feel more optimistic about everything.
When you are sleep-deprived, you become sluggish, less responsive and can even feel depressed. Lack of sleep is blamed for such ailments as depression, hypertension, irritability, slower reaction times, and tremors.
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With all of this being said, it’s time to up your sleep game and check out the tips below for better sleep.
11 Tips for Better Sleep
#1. Don’t hit the snooze button. This interrupts your sleep cycle and could make you groggier. It also sets the tone for the day with nothing but procrastination ;).
#2. Don’t eat just before bed, especially sugar and caffeine products. Have your last meal or snack two hours before bed.
#3. Set the right mood for sleep. Develop a ritual that helps your body to know it is time to sleep. Some read books, others take a hot shower.
#4. Create a sleep-friendly environment. It can be hard to sleep when you feel the day’s pressure or the next bearing down on you.
#5. Put away your homework and school books so they are out of sight. Make a list of priorities for the next day and clear your head.
#6. Try to sleep between the hours of 10pm-6am, it is the ideal time for deep, quality sleep.
#7. Eliminate caffeine at least 8 hours before bed.
#8. Avoid drinking liquid within 2 hours of bedtime.
#9. Reduce sounds and distractions, try using a sound machine to drown out other noises.
#10. Keep room temperatures cool, between 62-68 degrees is ideal.
#11. Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillow, you’ll spend a third of your life on them!
Follow some of these tips and you’ll be sleeping like a baby in no time!
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Extra Credit Viewing: 10 Principles for Better Sleep
Next Up: All About Hydration!
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