Five Ways to Get Better Sleep For Total Fitness

An essential part of your total fitness routine is getting enough sleep. While we sleep, our bodies rejuvenate cells and replenish essential energy.

Without at least six to eight hours of shut-eye every night, you are depriving your body of essential rest that can inhibit your efforts to lose weight, cause depression, impair concentration, impair glucose tolerance and just make you feel generally tired and irritable.

Consider these five ways to get better sleep and boost your fitness efforts:

1. use your bedroom for sleeping and avoid watching television, paying bills or other activities in this room so the environment is relaxing and invites rest;
2. regardless of your hectic schedule, develop a sleep routine so your body knows when to settle down for bed;
3. avoid spicy snacks, heavy food, caffeine, alcohol and nicotine before bedtime and choose herbal tea and a light snack such as toast instead;
4. minimize stress in your life and meditate or take a hot bath before bed to unwind; and
5. enjoy a 20 minute nap during the day when your energy levels drop but avoid long naps that could interfere with sleeping through the night.

By taking control of your sleep patterns, you will be healthier, have more energy and enjoy a greater level of fitness.