The Importance of Sleep to the Physically Active
September 26, 2018
Lindsey Haithcock- Marketing Intern
The body is hard-wired to require a certain amount of sleep every night in order to perform to the best of its ability. Without the proper rest we cannot perform as well physically or cognitively. For athletes or people who exercise regularly, sleep is extremely important.
Being a college student is especially challenging in trying to get enough sleep. There are many sleepless nights due to homework, but getting proper rest is just as important as anything else. For the physically active, sleep deprivation carries risks such as: slower recovery time and a greater chance of exhaustion. If one is extremely tired, they are more prone to injury and most likely will not perform as well.
Are you getting enough sleep?
The recommended amount of time a person should get per night is around 7-9 hours. It is also recommended that you log your sleep for one week to account for how much you are sleeping per night. Note what time you fall asleep, what time you wake up. Note how you feel throughout the day—are you more energized or more sluggish? How drowsy do you feel?
Tips on Sleeping Well
1. Take a look at your schedule and try to set a time daily that you will go to sleep and a time that you will wake up. Try to keep the times consistent. This may be hard to do, but it will be very beneficial. If you find that you are having trouble falling asleep at a reasonable hour, try getting into bed around 30 minutes before your target sleep time to help you get more relaxed and ready for bed.
2. If you are used to sleeping a little amount, it may become quite challenging to fall asleep at an earlier hour because your body is so used to staying up late. If this becomes an issue, one thing that is extremely beneficial for relaxation is diffusing Lavender essential oil. If you are not aware of the benefits of essential oils, we have excellent aromatherapy workshops that would be perfect for you. There are a variety of essential oils that are proven to provide relief for disrupted sleep, as well as improve overall sleep quality.
Good luck!