Based on scientific evidence and research, sleep is a crucial component of a healthy lifestyle and arguably more important than diet and exercise.
Here’s why:
1. Sleep affects all other aspects of health: Lack of sleep significantly impacts our mental, physical, and emotional well-being. It impairs cognitive function, weakens the immune system, increases stress levels, affects mood, and disrupts hormonal balance. Getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being.
2. Sleep affects weight: When we don't get enough sleep, we produce more ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates appetite, and less leptin, a hormone that suppresses appetite. This can lead to overeating and weight gain. Adequate sleep every night can help regulate these hormones, helping us maintain a healthy weight.
3. Sleep aids muscle recovery: During sleep, our body repairs and regenerates muscle tissue, allowing us to recover from exercise and build strength. Without adequate sleep, our muscles may not have the time to recover fully, leading to injury or difficulty building muscle.
4. A lack of sleep affects exercise performance: Lack of sleep can lead to decreased energy levels and motivation, making it harder to perform at peak levels during exercise. Sleep also affects our ability to focus and make quick decisions—two critical skills when executing proper form during exercise.
5. Sleep contributes to longevity: Consistently getting the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep each night has been linked to numerous health benefits, including a reduced risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Unfortunately, when it comes to sleep, many people are not getting enough of it every night—this vital biological function is not given the priority it deserves.
Learning to SLEEP BETTER—so you can FEEL BETTER and ENJOY LIFE more—probably isn’t the first thing on your to-do list. And, of course, you’re overwhelmed, stressed out, exhausted, and fed up. Who has time for sleep anyway?
I get it. You’re like most people with busy lives and competing priorities. The fact remains, however, that your sleep may be broken. That comes with life’s ups and downs.
The good news, luckily, is that you can learn how to use your body, breath, and mind to repair your broken sleep.
In fact, on March 16—the day before World Sleep Day 2023—I’m offering an introductory workshop called “Repair Your Broken Sleep,” which includes an overview of Five Steps for Better Sleep so you can begin to:
Fall asleep more easily.
Wake less frequently during the night.
Feel less tired and anxious.
Foster a healthier relationship with sleep.
Feel happier and healthier.
Enjoy life more.
For more information, click on the button below.
In keeping with the theme of World Sleep Day 2023—Sleep is Essential for Health—now is the time to prioritize your sleep and ensure you get enough of it every night.
There’s no denying the importance of diet and exercise in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. And good sleep habits are equally—if not more—essential for overall health and well-being.
I’ll leave you with a quote:
“Sleep is the golden chain that ties health and our bodies together.”
And if you liked this post from Studio 71 Yoga, please share it. I’d be very grateful.
With joy and gratitude,
Jeannine
