Be honest, how often do you really think about sleep, unless you’re getting out of bed (and really don’t want to?!) or close to burn out? Sleep is something that most of us undervalue, especially when we’re busy trying to build our businesses, progress our careers or use all of our spare time working on our fitness! We’ve definitely been guilty of choosing the gym over an extra two hours shut eye… but is this the best thing for us?! The ironic thing is – most of us are dedicated to leading “healthy” lives – we work out regularly, we eat well ,we stay focused on our goals – but could we be missing a key ingredient for our health?
Sleep is the golden chain that ties health and our bodies together.
~ Thomas Dekker
In the sports, fitness, entrepreneur and business world, a lack of sleep almost becomes your testament of success and proof of how hard you’re working. Are you a 5am riser or a night owl who will stay up late to get stuff done? Well, here are 5 reasons why prioritising your sleep can actually make you work smarter and be fitter!
1. PRODUCTIVITY:
Our brain cells have tiny neurons which are the bodies that transmit information to the brain. Lack of sleep stresses out these cells and shortens our attention spans, making it harder for us to concentrate and be at our most productive.
2. IMMUNE SYSTEM:
Our immune system is dependant on high quality, regular sleep! If we don’t give it what it needs, it can’t work properly – leading to obesity, cardiovascular problems and other health issues / diseases.
3. MEMORY:
When we are asleep, a consolidation of information takes place. It helps our minds to clear out the clutter and hold on to the important things we need to remember, improving our memory function.
4. HORMONES:
Poor sleep messes up our hormones that keep our appetite in check. It can increase a hormones called ghrelin which stimulates appetite an promotes fat storage.
5. MUSCLE GROWTH:
During sleep, growth hormones are produced – upto 70% of human growth hormone secretion occurs in the early stages of our sleep cycles! During the REM cycle is when our body heals, replenishes immune cells & circulates HGH.
Don’t just take our word for it, don’t just read and consider it. Make it your mission this week to get more sleep. Review at the end of the week to see how much of a difference it makes for you! Right now we’re listening to Shawn Stevenson’s podcast and reading his book “Sleep Smarter”, for more tips to motivate us to make sleep a priority in our routines.