Sleep is the underlying base or support for the structure of our bodies. This base layer is what everything else stems from. Sleep is the foundation of health. 

😌Importance of Sleep

Sleep is the most important habit to develop. It is more important than exercise and more important than food and nutrition.  We can go days without exercise or eating healthy, but we cannot go days without sleep.  

Sleep is when your body repairs and rebuilds itself and regulates hormones that control appetite and metabolism.  Sleep plays a major role in muscle growth and physical recovery.  It is when your body rebuilds and strengthens muscles.

During sleep, your body restores its energy reserves which fuels your workouts and reduces fatigue.

It is important to find your sweet spot when it comes to your sleep.  Some people can survive on 7 hours while others need 8 or more.  Research says to aim for 7-9 hours each night.

😳Metabolism

Sleep plays a crucial role in metabolism.  Here are a few ways that sleep affects your metabolism.

• Hormone regulation

A good nights sleep affects the production of hormones that influence metabolism.  Inadequate sleep can lead to an imbalance in these hormones, increasing appetite and promoting weight gain.

• Insulin sensitivity

Sleep deprivation can impair insulin sensitivity.  This makes it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar levels which can contribute to weight gain.

• Fat burning

Deprivation from sleep can suppress the body’s ability to burn fat for energy.

Sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy metabolism. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to insulin resistance and weight gain.  Find the right amount of sleep for your body and protect those quality sleep hours each night.

Since sleep is the underlying base for the structure of our bodies, sleep becomes the foundation of health.  As you are working on your fitness journey, be sure to answer this question. What are your sleep habits?