We stayed there for two full days and two nights - I got a total of 9 hours of sleep. The entire time I felt like my body wasn't functioning properly. I would wake up in the morning with what felt like a hangover! (And no, I didn't have anything to drink! - I was the designated driver!) I came home yesterday, went for a long walk, and was in bed by 9pm. I slept for 10 hours and still did not feel like my normal, energized self this morning!
The lack of sleep affected my workouts and daily eating. I could not bring my body to function for a high intensity workout, I had to walk instead. I also kept craving sweet foods, because my energy level was so low. My whole body just felt bloated, I was very irritable, sensitive to loud noise and bright light. Thankfully, these effects are only short term. Long term effects - from chronic sleep deprivation include obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and even early mortality!
I have been on a very regular sleep schedule for a long time. The more intense my training is, the more I pay attention to my bedtime and amount of sleep. I normally get 7.5 to 8.5 hours of sleep per night - depending on how tired I am from the day's activities.
Sleep is one of the best things you can do for your body!
Some health benefits of sleep include:
I have been on a very regular sleep schedule for a long time. The more intense my training is, the more I pay attention to my bedtime and amount of sleep. I normally get 7.5 to 8.5 hours of sleep per night - depending on how tired I am from the day's activities.
Sleep is one of the best things you can do for your body!
Some health benefits of sleep include:
- Healthier weight - because it reduces cravings you have when you are sleep deprived
- Improves concentration and focus
- Improves your athletic performance
- Improves memory
- Curb inflammation - linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, and premature aging.
- Lower stress
- Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even weekends.
- Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol. If you need your morning coffee (like me) - drink it in the morning and try to avoid it at least 5 hours before bedtime.
- Exercise and diet can help you get better sleep. However, avoid exercise within a few hours of bedtime - your body needs to relax and unwind.
- Don't go to bed on a full stomach. It shouldn't be empty either - it will be harder to fall asleep.
- Your bedroom should be dark and cool.
- Avoid napping during the day. If you are extremely tired - limit your naps to 30 minutes.
A good indicator of whether or not you got enough sleep - is if you wake up and feel re-energized.
Hopefully I'll be back on track with my sleep schedule by tomorrow and feeling like my normal self!
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