How did you sleep last night?
That’s not a rhetorical question — I want you to really think about it...
- How fast did you fall asleep?
- Did you wake up at all throughout the night?
- How did you feel when you woke up?
- How many hours did you actually get?
The answers to those questions can reveal a lot more than you might think. Sleep — or the lack of it — doesn’t just affect how tired you feel. It can change how you learn, how you move, your mood, and even your overall quality of life.
Think about it this way: sleep is your body and brain’s nightly reset — not just for energy, but for recovery, mental clarity, and long-term health.
🧠5 Powerful, Science-Backed Reasons to Prioritize Sleep:
- Your brain detoxes while you sleep. It clears metabolic waste, improving memory, focus, and mood.
- Muscle recovery and repair peak during deep sleep. This is when your body releases growth hormone — essential for building lean muscle and maintaining bone health.
- Lack of sleep increases cortisol (your stress hormone). High cortisol = reduced performance and increased fat storage.
- Sleep supports motor skill learning. Better sleep = better form, coordination, and workout efficiency.
- Poor sleep messes with hunger hormones. It increases cravings and decreases willpower — a tough combo when you’re chasing fitness goals.
Not sure where to start?
Start by creating a consistent bedtime routine. You don’t have to overhaul your night — just stick to what you normally do, but do it consistently. A routine signals to your body and brain that it’s time to wind down before your head even hits the pillow.
Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day (yes, even on weekends). Aim for that 7–9 hour sleep goal — and remember, naps count too!
Keep your sleeping space dark, cool, and well-ventilated for the best rest possible.
Want to dig deeper?
This is just the surface of the importance of sleep. If you're curious and want to dive into more info, here are a few great reads from some of our favorite sources:
- The Benefits of Slumber
- REM Sleep: What is it, Why is it important, and how can you get more of it?
- Why Sleep Is the Key to Living Longer
