Keep the weight off whilst you sleep

The important role that sleep plays in helping you to achieve your fitness goals shouldn€™t be overlooked. If you are committing yourself to an effective training program and a well balanced nutritional plan, then it is essential that you allow your body the time it needs to reward your efforts.

Recent research from a major health inquiry in the United States has highlighted the effect that sleep has on women€™s weight. According to the study, which looked at the sleeping patterns and weight of 70,000 women over 16 years, those who slept 5 or fewer hours during the night were at major risk of weight gain. On average women who slept 5 hours or less per night weighed 2.45kg more at the start of the study and gained the most weight over the course of the study. This is compared to women who regularly slept at least 7 hours a night. The study also found that there was no significant difference between the diet or exercise routines of the two groups of women.

When you are sleeping your body takes time to €œdigest€ all the information that it has taken in during the day. If you are exercising then your body will realise how much energy you have used during the day, plan to adjust or restore any deficiencies (i.e. €“ intra-muscular glycogen levels), and make small adjustments to your metabolism as required. By denying your body adequate rest and sleep then important bodily functions may not take place or will not be completed efficiently.

No matter what your fitness goals are it is essential to take a holistic approach to achieving them. As I have already mentioned on this site, if you want to get the most out of your body you need an effective training program, a well balanced nutritional plan and adequate rest!