Most people know that getting a good night’s sleep is important for overall health, but many don’t realize that sleep also significantly impacts fitness. In fact, there are several ways in which sleep can directly or indirectly affect physical activity and exercise. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most important ways sleep affects fitness.
Why Is Sleep Important for Post-Workout Recovery?
When it comes to physical activity, sleep plays a crucial role in exercise recovery. After a workout, your body needs rest and nutrition to help rebuild muscle tissue and repair any damage caused by the strain of exercise.
During sleep, our bodies produce growth hormones, which can help speed up the healing process, allowing us to get back into the gym sooner rather than later. Studies have also found a link between sleep patterns and the amount of protein synthesized after a workout, suggesting that deep, quality sleep can help muscles recover faster.
Does Lack of Sleep Affect Workout?
In short, yes. Sleep deprivation can have a negative impact on your workouts, as it can decrease muscle strength and reaction time. Studies have also found that those who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to suffer from fatigue during exercise and reduced motivation and focus.
Lack of Sleep Slows Down Post-Workout Recovery
Not only does lack of sleep impact your actual workout, but it can also slow down the post-workout recovery process. Studies have found that those who don’t get enough restorative sleep tend to take longer to recover after physical activity than those who get a good night’s rest. Additionally, sleep deprivation can lead to poor decision-making and increased stress levels, further delaying your post-workout recovery.
Increases Mood Changes
Sleep deprivation can also lead to mood swings and emotional disturbances. This can be especially detrimental to physical activity, as negative emotions can reduce motivation levels and increase anxiety during workouts. Studies have also shown that poor sleep habits can lead to increased depression and irritability, making it more challenging for athletes to stay focused and motivated when working out.
Increases Levels of the Stress Hormone
The stress hormone — cortisol is released when we don't get enough sleep. Too much cortisol in the body can increase stress levels, reducing our ability to focus and perform optimally during workouts. Additionally, cortisol can suppress your immune system, making it more difficult for your body to recover after physical activity.
With a healthy sleep schedule, you can ensure your body gets the proper rest and nutrition needed to stay fit.
Decreases Glycogen Synthesis
Glycogen is the body’s main energy source for physical activity. Studies have shown that lack of sleep can reduce glycogen synthesis, which can hinder performance during workouts. The way glycogen synthesis works is that the body produces more glycogen during sleep, so not getting enough rest can reduce the energy available for physical activity.
Additionally, sleep deprivation has been linked to lower glucose levels in the blood, further reducing your ability to perform at peak levels during exercise.
Does Your Body Need More Sleep If You Work Out?
Yes, if you’re looking to get the most out of your workouts and maximize results, it’s important to make sure you’re getting an adequate amount of sleep. Getting at least 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night is recommended for optimal performance during physical activity.
If you feel like your body needs more than nine hours, it may be beneficial to increase your sleep time. However, it’s important to remember that quality sleep is more important than quantity. Finding a way to get restorative sleep can help you perform at your peak and have the energy you need for optimal results.
Conclusion
Sleep is critical for maintaining optimal physical and mental health, and it’s especially important if you’re trying to maximize your results from the gym. Not getting enough quality rest can lead to decreased performance during workouts and slower post-workout recovery times. To ensure you get all of the benefits of Lagree, it’s important to prioritize sleep and ensure you’re getting the rest that your body needs.
In conclusion, getting enough restorative sleep can help ensure that you’re performing at your best during physical activity and maximizing the results of your workouts. Making sure you get quality sleep each night will ensure your next Lagree workout is even better than the previous one! Sign up for your first Lagree Fit 415 class today and see it yourself!
