#FitnessFacts: Sleep

-Sleep is a crucial factor for any fitness goal, whether it’s weight loss, general health, or muscle gain.

-7-9 hours of sleep per night is recommended, while any more or less can be unhealthy.

-On average, people that get enough sleep are less over weight, have less lifestyle disorders & diseases, and live longer than people that are sleep deprived.

-The human body releases a large blend of chemicals & hormones during sleep, almost all with the purpose of rebuilding and recovering the body.

-During sleep, the pituitary gland secretes more growth hormones than during waking hours. Growth hormones aid in fat loss, muscle building, & cell regeneration.

-Sleep suppresses appetite and raises metabolism, while allowing the body to rest and recover.

-Lack of sleep can raise levels of cortisol in the blood, which can lower metabolism, slow down healing, increase stress, and decrease the body’s ability to build muscle mass.

-Frequent oversleeping can lead to many lifestyle disorders including weight gain, anxiety, headaches, low energy, and damaged memory.

-A minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity a day increases the body’s ability to fall asleep quicker & deeper! Try to exercise at least 3 hours before bedtime for the best results.