Getting enough sleep and recovery is one of the most important aspects of leading an active lifestyle. You don’t think about sleep and recovery until it’s too late. When we’re not sleeping or resting our bodies, we’re more likely to get sick and feel terrible the next day. But when it comes to athletes like you, this can be even more true. You need your body in tip-top shape for your games and practices every day. You go to bed feeling good, but when morning comes, you are exhausted and unable to function due to how tired your body is from not getting enough rest. You find yourself feeling tired and sluggish when it’s time to hit the gym.
Sleep is the time when your body heals and regenerates itself. Not getting enough sleep can reduce the effectiveness of this process, which means less recovery. This means you have to make sure that you are taking care of yourself by getting plenty of sleep and rest.
Sleep has numerous health benefits, including regulating hormones that control appetite, digestion, metabolism, and stress levels. During sleep, the immune system also needs to recharge. It allows your body to release any physical or emotional tension from the day so that when you wake up refreshed in the morning, you’re ready for anything. Athletes require more sleep because their metabolic rates are higher, implying that their bodies use energy at a faster rate as a result of exercise training. Sleep deprivation can impair performance due to hormonal disruption, poor immune function, mental fog, irritability, or depression. This makes it difficult for us to focus on tasks or make decisions, which is especially problematic if we work in an industry that requires those skills. Furthermore, a lack of healthy restful sleep has been linked to a variety of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. It also increases your chances of getting hurt because your reflexes are slower than usual.
Creating a routine that allows you to fall asleep quickly is the best way to improve your sleep and recovery. Don’t answer emails or watch TV in bed because it’s supposed to be your sanctuary. Every day, spend at least 20 minutes outside (even if it’s cold). Change what’s on top of the dresser and get rid of any scented candles/room fresheners to ensure the bedroom has good air circulation. Keep these tips in mind over time and you’ll be surprised at how much better you’ll feel!
It’s not always easy to get enough sleep and recover, but it can make a huge difference in your health and mental well-being. No matter what sport you play, it is important to rest and recover. It may appear that now is the time to work hard, but recovery is just as important for your body. If you don’t get enough sleep or put in the necessary effort to recover from workouts, you will overtrain and underperform.
