Learn how better sleep can lead to a better you!

It’s almost a new year, which means time for goal setting and habit changing.

Better sleep means better fitness

Getting a full 7 ½ hours of shut-eye can help you reclaim your inner kick-butt. Your body produces more protein while you’re sleeping, letting you rebuild and repair yesterday’s damage. This translates to more energy for your workout, faster muscle repair and stronger resolve – and an easier time committing to your next work out.

Better Sleep will help you lose weight

Women who sleep 5 hours or less per night generally weigh more than women who sleep 7 hours per night. Why? Sleep deprivation changes your metabolic rate and increases hunger. It also decreases leptin levels and interferes with insulin production. All these things contribute to weight gain. Grabbing 7-8 hours of solid sleep is an important part of any weight loss strategy.

Better Sleep will help you deal with stress

Recent studies show that sleep deprivation disconnects the part of the brain responsible for keeping emotions under control. The amigdyla, (the brain’s emotion-processor) is 60% more reactive when you’ve had less than 8 hours of shut-eye.

When you sleep, your brain sorts, stores and connects the day’s events, sensory input, feelings and memories. Sleep deprivation leaves those memories and feelings unprocessed, building up like unsorted paperwork on your desk. Tuck in and bed down and you’ll be more on top of your thoughts and feelings the next day.

Better Sleep will make you happier

A University of Pennsylvania study found that a reduction from 7.5 to 4.5 hours of sleep a night for one week caused a marked increase in stress, anger, sadness and mental exhaustion. A return to normal sleep patterns almost immediately reduced these feelings. Other studies show that chronic insomnia increases the risk of developing a mood disorder, such as depression or anxiety.

Is getting a better night’s sleep one of your resolutions for 2010? Need some help to do so? Visit our Healthy Sleep Center for ideas on creating your best sleep environment.

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