Thursday, March 5, 2009

To sleep, perchance to dream.

First things first.

Two months down! Have you gotten 8 weeks of activity in? Are you
two months closer to your goals? Only 3 months before the
spring/summer clothes are out. So you are almost half way there.
Get started today if you haven't!

Now to the sleep!

I've been a huge nap advocate for a long time. Been a napper for
even longer.

Sleep relaxes you, mentally and physically. Corporations are
adapting this into their workdays to reap the benefits of more
productive, well rested employees!

So you have got to be serious about your rest, especially if
someone is willing to invest that much money into it.

Here is a recent snippet (with studies quoted) from the WIRED blog.

http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/03/nightshift.html

But not only does it effect productivity, it also influences the
midline. As a young athlete with so many demands on your time
it is important to establish a healthy routine now!

I used to consult at an eating disorders clinic and studies that
demonstrated this relationship were trotted out from time to time
to help people understand the relationship between good sleep and a
healthy weight.

Yes it is difficult. Especially for shift workers. But recognition
and strategies to combat the effects of reduced sleep must be used
if you are in a difficult situation such as this. I used to work
the back shift, for 6 years, actually. And I used some of these
strategies.

Be consistent. Get to sleep at the same time every day.

Don't break up your sleep. 5 hours in a row is better than getting
up 4 times during your 8 hour sleep. Much better.

Nap. 15 mintues is a nap, NOT 2 hours. Pick a quiet time, take some
big relaxing breaths, and doze off. Set your alarm to get you up in
15 minutes. Have some water ready for you.

Don't mess with your circadian rhythms. They will bite back.

So be consistent.

Have a good weekend everyone!

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