Get that shut eye...the link between sleep and health.

I'm sure everyone knows by now that an average person requires around 8 hours of sleep. Many of us in the adult world find this extremely difficult. You wake up early to get ready for work. You get off work late in the evening with only a few hours before you have to go to bed to get those full 8 hours. I know the feeling. I've been doing it for a while, but when you're active, you require this sleep even more. Some people will require more sleep than others, and other individuals are able to function without sleepiness or drowsiness after as little as six hours of sleep. There is definitely a link between sleep and health.

According to the National Sleep Foundation(NSF), Sleep is essential for a person's health and wellbeing. Scientists that study sleep disorders have shown not enough sleep can cause problems with the brain and nervous system, cardiovascular system, metabolic functions, and immune system. So you can see how a problem in any of these areas will hinder your exercise performance.

It doesn't matter what training program you are following. You will never get the results you want without the proper sleep and nutrition. When trying to build muscle, like we all should be, sleep is very important. When you sleep your muscle cells repair themselves causing growth. Sleep and health go hand and hand. You need muscle for the optimal health, and you need sleep for muscle growth.

A lack of sleep can increase your stress levels and mood. This will affect your workouts in a negative way. Consistently not getting enough sleep will cause symptoms that are similar to over training (Article coming soon). And, contrary to common myth, the need for sleep doesn't decline with age but the ability to sleep for six to eight hours at one time may be reduced. (Van Dongen; Dinges, Principles; Practice of Sleep Medicine, 2000)

Thank Military.com for providing a few tips on getting a good nights sleep:

Never Oversleep

You won't be able to catch up on lost sleep. Sleeping longer than 10 hours of sleep will change body patterns and makes it more difficult to fall asleep the night after.

Exercise or Hard Physical Work

If you exercise or have to work hard, you will have an easier time falling asleep

Sleep in a quiet area

A cool climate, calming music, or a humming fan will drown out exterior noises allowing better quality of sleep

Relax before bed

Try and avoid exercising 2-3 hours before bedtime. By relaxing a few hours before actually sleeping, you prepare your body for the state it needs to be in. Don't watch TV in bed

Remember to get your sleep and health will be easier to achieve.

Learn more ways to stay healthy by doing cardio. Read our article on 5 ways to enjoy your cardio Firm that body up! You can read more articles from Travis Petelle at Go Healthy Fitness.