Proper Sleep and Recovery

We tend to assume that sleep is a phase of inactivity and rest. But the matter of fact is, that sleep is that active phase in our entire day's routine when a number of bodily functions are expedited.  While you are curled up in your quilt, blissfully unaware in your dreams, there are many restorative processes going on in your body. While much information is available on the importance of exercise, few embark to learn about rest and sleep...yet it is one of the most important factors on overall health and well-being.

What is sleep?

First, it's important to understand that while the body rests, the mind and the brain go on restorative hyperdrive.

Sleep is a period of nerve and muscle relaxation which begins a period of repair and rejuvenation of all the tissues and organs, much needed after a day of strenuous activity.

The Power of Sleep

Sleep is a powerful energy booster because while we sleep, the process called anabolism takes place. Anabolism is the recovery process for cells and tissues through the production of enzymes and proteins. It counteracts the effects of catabolism, or the process that occurs as you exercise or work out during the day which produces an action wherein energy is released from cells. This affects the molecular components of the body. If your catabolism exceeds anabolism, little growth will happen.

Thus those who strain themselves with a tougher workout must give their body the extra rest to sustain their growth of muscle mass-which is directly proportional to fitness.

While we exercise or lift weights, the muscle contracts or crunches thereby getting compressed or shortened. And between phases of stimuli, the muscle needs to recover by building new bridges across the new muscle groups that are slowly forming.

This growth is only possible when the body rests.

Less sleep increases cortisol which is a catabolic hormone and it decreases testosterone levels that are directly related to muscle gain. Another disturbing consequence that comes with compromising on the amount of sleep, is that higher levels of cortisol have been directly linked to more abdominal fat.

There are many benefits to a good night's sleep. And proper rest is an essential counterpoint to your daily workout routine.