Our goal for this year is to get at least seven hours of sleep each day. Are you in? You should be, and here is why: sleep is the reset button for your body and mind. We all know the feeling of dragging through the day, forgetting your head if it wasn’t attached to your body and needing enough coffee to keep an elephant awake just to make it through the next hour. Sleep is not just a luxury, it is fundamental to our overall well-being. Just like neglecting your nutrition and exercise routine, skimping on sleep carries hefty consequences! Lack of a good night's rest can impact everything from our mood and cognition to our physical health and risk of chronic disease.
As you drift off to resetting your systems, there is a symphony of vital processes that unfold. Our muscles repair and recharge, getting ready to face the demands of the next day. Our memories and learnings of the day are transitioned into that hard drive that locks them into knowledge. Hormones, metabolism and immune systems all find a happy balance gearing up for a new day of hard work.
The consequences of chronic sleep deprivation are not to be taken lightly. Studies have shown that individuals who do not get those zzz’s are more likely to have short tempers, impaired judgment and an inability to fully focus on tasks at hand. All of these things combined can take a toll on that immune system, leading to chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
So the big question…How much sleep are we talking about? Most adults need between seven and eight hours of quality sleep each night. This means prioritizing a consistent sleep schedule. A couple of things to consider when drifting off to dreamland:
Create a bedtime routine that is consistent, even on the weekends.
Turn off electronics and screens that cause distractions.
Pray or Meditate - think of things for which you are thankful.
Relax your body and let “Mr. Sandman” do his thing.
Investing in your sleep isn’t just about feeling good, it’s about building a foundation for a long and healthy life. So let’s set a goal to turn those lights out and get seven hours of dreamy slumber. Your body and mind will thank you.
CAT Burke is the owner of GETCATFIT on Marco Island. She has over 30 years’ experience as a fitness professional, holds a BS in Kinesiology, is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, Nutrition Coach and Fitness Nutrition Specialist. CAT is also active in the natural bodybuilding industry as a professional athlete and judge. CAT may be reached at info@getcatfit.com. Website: www.getcatfit.com.
