Rest is a downplayed aspect of many athlete's training regimes. When you're always on the move, you rarely want to slow down and take a day off from the gym. But rest is an integral part of any good training program, and scheduling rest days can actually give you better results faster.
Body rest isn't just about lounging at home, either. You'll need the full benefits of sleep in order to get the most out of your hard work and achieve your performance goals.
Does Sleep Give You Energy?
Yes, sleep restores your body and leaves you ready for another day, but that's not all it does. If sleep was solely about energy, people would easily be able to live off energy drinks and coffee the rest of their lives. We all know this isn't feasible.
When you ask, "Does sleep give you energy?", you should really ask what sleep doestomake your body feel energized and rejuvenated each morning.
How Sleep Helps Athletic Performance
When you get a good eight hours of sleep each night, you can help your body repair and strengthen your muscles and tissues. Eight to 10 hours of sleep can alsoaid weight loss, since the body performs important hormonal regulation and metabolic processes while you slumber.
Another major benefit of sleep is mental alertness and concentration. Poor sleep reduces cognitive function and causes your brain to react slower, making it difficult to focus on your training or truly give it your all during a workout.
Sleep effects range from mental health to physical well being. Some of the worst sleep effects from poor sleep quality include:
Chronic fatigue
Headaches
Greater appetite
Depressed mood and anxiety
Forgetfulness and memory loss
General grogginess and "fuzzy" thoughts
Lack of motivation
Rest make it possible for you to get up every day and be excited about your training. When you're attempting to improve your athletic performance on anything less than quality, you'll suffer from reduced interest, slower reflexes and even risk personal injury due to fatigue.
Improving Your Sleep Quality
The benefits of sleep can't be overlooked by anyone, especially those who are athletically inclined. If you struggle to fall asleep or tend to wake up frequently throughout the night, it may be caused by an undiagnosed sleep disorder or medical problem.
Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders that affect millions of people around the world. You may also find that working out later in the evening revs you up, making it difficult to doze off or stay asleep after you do.
As you revisit your training schedule, make sure you take a close look at your sleep and its quality. If you have any significant problems, consider talking to a doctor so you can develop the right sleep plan for you, your body and its needs. Sometimes, athletes will require greater amounts of sleep than their less-active counterparts; some medical advice can go a long way in your training journey, and you'll be grateful for the powerful impact a good night's sleep has on your performance.
