{"id":752,"date":"2019-01-29T13:05:47","date_gmt":"2019-01-29T13:05:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sleepdunwoody.com\/blog\/?p=752"},"modified":"2021-01-27T19:17:30","modified_gmt":"2021-01-27T19:17:30","slug":"sleep-essential-after-workout-according-to-sleep-medicine-practitioner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sleepdunwoody.com\/blog\/2019\/01\/29\/sleep-essential-after-workout-according-to-sleep-medicine-practitioner\/","title":{"rendered":"Sleep: The Real Secret to Effective Post-Workout Recovery"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"sleep<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a brand new year, which means countless people are hitting the gym and working out more regularly as part of their resolutions. Any fitness expert will tell you that recovering properly between each session is important to gain as much as possible from your workout and not feel worn down or become injured, but have you ever wondered what exactly it means to \u201crecover properly\u201d? With all of the supplements, shakes and ointments out there that claim to decrease soreness and make you 100% prepared for your next workout session, it can be daunting to really understand what your body needs. As it turns out, there may be a much simpler and far more effective solution that will propel your fitness goals: sleep<\/a>.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Importance of Sleep After a Workout <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As you rest, both your body and mind undergo a significant recovery process<\/a>. Sleep actively restores your brain, helping you form and consolidate memories and even flushing out toxin<\/a>s that could lead to Alzheimer\u2019s. It also decreases your risk factor for a number of health concerns including diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and depression.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to restoring your brain, sleep is also the key to effective post-workout recovery. It works to repair your muscles<\/a> after the damage caused by a workout and recharge your body, making you stronger and more fit over time. When you workout, your muscles are taxed and broken down — and it\u2019s the \u201crebuilding\u201d of the muscles in recovery that causes them to grow, allowing you to place more and more stress on them as you get stronger. This adaption, however, doesn\u2019t take place when you\u2019re lifting weights. It occurs when you\u2019re resting.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you still need some convincing, sleep as a means for recovery has recently been stressed in the world of collegiate and professional sports. Last year, the Interassociation Task Force on Sleep and Wellness<\/a> convened to develop recommendations to inform best practices and educational resources in support of the sleep wellness of college athletes. Additionally, it is reported<\/a> that Lebron James averages 12 hours of sleep per day, and that Usain Bolt and Serena Williams average ten. The priority that some of the world\u2019s greatest athletes place on sleep should give you some indication of the fact that it is an absolutely critical factor in top physical performance!
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Improve Your Sleep for Effective Recovery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Clearly, all signs point to sleep being essential to recovery after your workout and being fully prepared to start your next session revitalized and ready to go. According to the medical community at large, the average person should be getting about 7-8 hours<\/a> of sleep per night for optimal functioning. For many, this in itself sounds like a dream (pun intended!) due to family responsibilities, job requirements, and life\u2019s everyday stresses that seem to be out to steal your sleep at every turn. Thankfully, there are a few simple things you can do to make sure you get enough sleep each night:<\/p>\n\n\n\n