11/365 Sleep: the Third Component for a Healthier You

Friend and Fitness Enthusiasts,

I believe that healthiness is affected by three things: exercise, diet, and sleep. I'd say that most people only do two of these successfully. As a college student, you can expect late nights studying, hanging out, finishing projects, or clicking away on the internet. I have noticed though that this does not change as you get older. Employees of where I'm interning confess that they don't get enough sleep at night either.

Seven to nine hours constitute as enough sleep. Sleep is important for your brain as well as your body. Your brain has been stimulated so much throughout the day that it needs to regroup and piece everything back together. Your body has had to counter bacteria, stress, exercise, etc. all day long and needs to recuperate. Also, when you exercise, your muscles get micro tears in the fibers. Your muscles need sleep in order to repair those muscles, get bigger, and get stronger. Also, once you start exercising, you'll have better sleep. Just trust me on that one.

So, get into a habit. If you can, do your best to go to sleep and wake up at the same time to make sure that you get those precious hours. I like to work out in the morning. It's crucial that I get enough sleep in order to be energized for it.

Sleep. Make it a habit!

In health,

Lauren