Sleep is the condition of the body and mind where the nervous system is relatively inactive, the muscles are relaxed and the consciousness is suspended. It is also considered as a state of rest. Sleep is necessary for our survival. It’s the time when your mind processes the day and your body recovers. During sleep, your body detoxifies by eliminating free radicals. These free radicals can cause illness and cancer, so detoxification is essential. Therefore it is imperative that we optimize our sleep so we get the most out of our “40 winks”.
Sleep Effects Physical Performance
We’ve all had those days at work where we’ve pouring the cups of coffee. A lack of sleep leaves us feeling lethargic, unmotivated and as a result we’re unproductive. Also, our mental clarity and focus is affected.
Sleep and Weight Loss
While you’re in restful sleep, your body produces growth hormone. This hormone helps the body recover and can even help with your fat burning goals! A study undertaken at the University of Chicago (go Maroons!) compared the weight loss of participant sleeping 8 hours per night to those sleeping only 5 & a half hours a night. Both parties ate the exact number of calories (1,450) per day. The interesting thing was that while both groups lost weight, more than half of the weight lost was fat for those sleeping 8 hours a night, compared to only a quarter of the weight loss being fat for the sleep deprived participants.
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