How important is sleep?

We have all heard that sleep is a key factor in weight loss, but is it really that important to get a good nights rest?

If you want me to answer by using one word, that word would be "extremely". Meaning it is extremely important when it comes to any results you'd like to see in the gym. The problem is, most people don't get enough of it. Our society is always running around trying to do the absolute most in one day as possible, and we sacrifice things that are important for our overall health because of it. In most cases, we are hurting ourselves, because the night we stay up late to do more work and end up not being productive the next day. And there is a huge difference between staying up late one or two nights every so often, and making late nights and early mornings a habit (I'm guilty of this). But, what exactly are we doing to our bodies by doing this?

Increased risk of diabetes: A lack of sleep could increase a person's danger of developing adult-onset diabetes. Studies show a correlation between a lower risk of type-2 diabetes with those getting 7-8 hours of sleep per night.

Increase weight gain: While you're sleeping your body is doing the most work repairing muscles, fighting off infections, etc. Your sleep cycle directly correlates with your bodies ability to fight fat and being able to decipher hunger signals. That's why it is so important to eat before you go to bed, you are fueling your body to do those things.

Memory loss: No rest, equals your brain being tired as well, meaning it'll be harder to concentrate, learn new things, and also easy to forget.

Lower Immune Response: As stated above, if you don't get enough sleep, your immune system won't be able to fight off illness as well!

Increased Risk for Coronary Heart Disease and Cancer: Studies have also found that getting too little sleep can be a predictor of Coronary Heart Disease as well as stroke and cancer. Low amounts of melatonin over time may promote cancer cell development or growth.

Beaty Sleep: We all know the impact sleep has on our skin and facial features. Aging speeds up so much faster when you're not getting your beauty sleep. The perception of how we look also declines as we sleep less over time!

In a nutshell, overall health isn't just what you eat, you have to make sure you are taking care of your body by giving it plenty of rest, that is how you grow healthier and stronger!

Thank you so much for reading! If you have any questions, you know how to contact me!