Can Better Sleep Improve your Training?

Sleep is arguably one of the most important things we need for our minds, bodies, and overall health. Studies show that getting quality sleep improves your heart health, hormone balance, metabolism, immune system and brain functionality (just to name a few).

We all know how good we feel after a full night’s rest, and how bad we feel after barely getting any sleep. We know that a good night’s sleep makes us overall better equipped to attack the day. But can getting better sleep improve your workouts and training? The short answer is yes!

Our bodies use sleep as an opportunity to repair muscles, organs, and other cells that keep us healthy. This process happens during your deepest sleep, or REM sleep. REM sleep is the most important part of the sleep cycle; deep sleep is what allows our bodies to heal and regenerate. Those who don’t go into REM sleep because of restlessness, anxiety, or any number of reasons have a greater risk of developing fatigue, muscle or joint pain, and brain fog throughout the day.

Different age groups need different amounts of sleep to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Kids under the age of 12 need 9 to 12 hours per night, teens aged 13 to 18 need 8 to 10 hours per night, and adults need at least 7 hours per night. No matter your age, your body is unable to perform at its greatest capacity without quality sleep.

Teens are typically a livelier age group, so they need a greater amount of sleep to keep their energy levels high. Plus, with spending all day in school, then doing after school activities like sports, clubs, or scholastic training, and then having to go home and do homework, a good night’s sleep is vital to keeping them sharp and energized throughout the day.

Then there is the matter of getting too much sleep. Sleeping for too long may cause sluggishness, brain fog, or restlessness during the day. Like eating a balanced diet, the right balance of sleep and wakefulness is key.

Want to get better sleep? Hit the gym! An overlooked fact about strength training and exercising regularly is that it can actually improve your sleep. So, while getting sleep is vital in giving you the energy to train, training is vital in giving you the rest that you and your body need. These two necessary activities go hand in hand with one another.

Jason De Melo is the Director of Coaching at D1 Training. He says to think of a good night’s sleep as part of your pre-workout. “Sleep is an investment in the energy you need to train tomorrow!!”

If you want to be more successful at training, have more energy, lower your risks for illnesses such as cancer and heart disease, and simply feel better each day overall, make sure you are getting the appropriate amount of quality sleep for your age group.

Do your body a favor and train regularly at a gym like D1 Training where there are different classes for different age groups, from ages 7 to adult. You’ll get stronger, healthier, and sleep more soundly.