The Importance of a Good Night’s Sleep
“If you don’t get enough sleep you’re more likely to gain weight and have an increased appetite due to your lack of energy. This is when you tend to go for poorer food choices that are high in sugar and fat, because your body is craving a high energy source.”
A good night’s sleep is so important for our overall good health, and it is something we often overlook in our busy, on-the-go lives. It’s really important that you wind down and let your body recover, because without enough time to recover, you risk making matters worse. For me, Sunday’s are all about rest days, something anyone who exercises needs to plan in every week to make sure you give your body enough time to recover.
A lack of sleep can affect our bodies more than we think. If you don’t sleep enough, you are more likely to gain weight and have an increased appetite due to the lack of energy. This is when you tend to go for poorer food choices that are high in sugar and fat, because your body is craving a high-energy source.
When you’re suffering from a lack of sleep, your body and you will:
Take longer to recover from exercise and muscles will take longer to repair
Feel lethargic and lack the energy to do everyday things with ease
Simple tasks will seem mentally draining and you will struggle to concentrate or perform to the best of your ability
Make choices that may not be right for you
A lack of sleep also affects your mental health and can make you more susceptible to feelings of anxiety and depression. Your body is also more vulnerable when you lack sleep, so you may feel run down and get ill more easily.
Humans are like iPhones - we need recharging every night in order for us to perform and function properly! So, make sure you plan in those rest days on weekends when you’re working out during the week, or whenever you want to. Just make sure you do have rest days, and get enough sleep to allow your body to make a speedy recovery after every workout, and make sure you recharge to get to your goals in time.