You Need To Sleep!

Sleep deprivation is a serious problem among American adults. On average, we need about 7 hours a night. Most people get 5.5 to 6. This just isn't enough. And if you don't get enough sleep, your fitness success will be seriously effected.

Over the past couple of years I have asked more sleep questions in my initial assessments with clients. And what I'm finding is astounding. Most people don't get enough sleep. More than ever, I'm recommending that clients talk to their primary care physician about having a sleep study. And even more astounding, many of them are being diagnosed with sleep disorders. From Sleep Apnea to Excessive Sleepiness, many of the clients I've seen are discovering that they have sleep related problems. Initial symptoms appear as "depression," "lack of sex drive" and "obesity." That's right "obesity." You see, when people are tired, the body and brain get confused and think that the person needs more fuel (food) to gain more energy. So, they eat when they aren't hungry. Actually, they're just tired. They need sleep, not food.

So what's the point? Get more sleep. Go to bed earlier. Most television isn't that interesting anyway. Do you need the local network news every night? It's depressing anyway. Go to bed and exercise in the morning.

If you snore or awaken numerous times in the night, talk to your doc about a sleep study. You may be surprised. Otherwise, get to bed. Your fitness level will improve and you'll make better food choices.

John Hudome, DCH
"Workout and eat as if your life depended on it."