Posted on May 29, 2014 by Jenny Cromack

 

 

Sleep is vitally important for everyone the consequences of not getting enough sleep are increased hunger, stress, sickness, anger and one that should not be underestimated is death. People are unaware that you will die quicker from sleep deprivation than you will from starvation.
Before I talk to you about how you can I get more sleep, I want to explain to you why sleep has such an important role in our lives.
Sleep has a massive influence on the body’s homeostasis which is responsible for the glands and cells in the body to produce neurotransmitters and hormones that allow the body to run smoothly. Lack of sleep disturbs this process resulting in our bodies being unable to use the food we eat effectively and our hormones to not work effectively.
Lack of sleep also effects hormonal levels, body temperature and blood temperature leading to impair metabolism, elevated cortisone (the stress hormone) as well as stunting protein synthesis (preventing muscle gain) decrease cognitive ability, reduce reaction time, speed and strength.
To sum everything up lack of sleep can seriously impair overall performance and wellbeing. So if you know lack of sleep is just a case of not prioritising it then it is crucial that you seen the benefits of getting enough sleep

A lot of my Personal Training clients ask me how can I get more sleep?
If you struggle getting to sleep or having an effective night sleep here are a few suggestions to ensure you get a good night sleep.

1. Supplementing Vitmain D3 helps maintain optimal blood levels of D3. The part of the brain responsible for sleep is made up of a large amount of vitamin D3 receptors, taking D3 will ensure that these receptors are not deficient in D3.

2. Taurine – Taurine is an amino acid that is beneficial to increase sleep and help those suffering with anxiety or worry. It is available from eggs red meat and seafood but unless these are eaten with every meal taurine will need to be supplemented to ensure you get a beneficial amount. High levels of stress and physical exercise deplete levels of taurine.

3. Magnesium – Magnesium calms the nervous system and reduces inflammation which can decrease the quality of sleep. Magnesium causes the body to relax by decreasing the sympathetic nervous system reducing stress. Magnesium can be ingested through dark leafy greens, seeds and nuts and fish.

By adding any of these supplements to your diet it will help increase the quality of sleep and help you perform and feel better.

LH