When we think of fitness we think of weights, running and stretching. A nap isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind!
However, sleep is an essential part of fitness. When you exercise you are taxing your body. You’re spending energy, breaking down muscles and stressing your heart and lungs. You’re putting stress on your body.
Sleep is the time when your body recovers. The nutrients in our bloodstreams reach the taxed parts of the body. Your tissue is repaired, and your muscles recuperate. Growth hormone is generated when we sleep, and our bodies are repaired.
The problem is a significant portion of us have a problem sleeping. About 30 percent of Americans don’t get 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night according to the centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 100 million people are putting their fitness programs at risk because they don’t sleep enough.
Changing sleeping habits can be a challenge. We should all definitely look at our sleeping habits and figure out if we need more sleep. However, one thing we can do is take a nap.
Take and nap and improve your fitness!
Studies show making time for a nap every couple of days helps physically and mentally. First, a nap can help overcome a poor night’s sleep. If you don’t sleep well, you can suffer through the day or you can take a nap and get things back on track. You will certainly be more mentally alert and able to handle the day’s challenges better. Napping reboots the brain as well as helping you recover physically.
There are different kind of naps. Like regular sleeping, everyone develops their own style.
The Quick Recharge. A 10-20 minute nap can take the edge off and give you a boost.
The Power Nap. A 20-30 minute power nap can revitalize your energy and improve your mood. It’s quick but effective.
The Quintessential. A 45-minute nap is the napping standard. It regenerates you physically and you are mentally fresh and back up to par.
The Recovery. A 60-90 minute nap is for recovery mode. It’s a heavy nap usually reserved for a poor night’s sleep or a late night out.
Whatever kind of nap you need, remember sleep is an important part of your fitness routine. Naps don’t replace a good night’s sleep, but they sure do help fill in the gaps!
