Some people work out hard and eat right, but they still don’t see the results they are looking for.  One factor that some people overlook is a sufficient amount of sleep.  If you are not sleeping seven to nine hours each night, your body will have a tough time recovering from intense workouts.

Researchers at the University of Chicago have determined that a lack of sleep can cause the body to release a stress-induced hormone called cortisol.  This hormone causes your body to store fat and actually use your muscle for energy.  Cortisol can also slow down your metabolism.

When you’re asleep your body naturally produces growth hormone, which helps you build muscle and burn fat throughout the night.  If you’re consistently sleeping 7-9 hours, your body will produce enough growth hormone to recover and even grow in between your workouts.

Inconsistent sleep can do more than slow down your fitness progress.  A study at the University of British Columbia showed that people who sleep 5 hours or less are 39% more likely to develop heart disease.  Sleep deprivation can also raise your blood pressure.
If you have a hard time sleeping at night here are a few tips you should try.  Don’t drink caffeine in the afternoon or night.  Caffeine can stay in your system for 6-12 hours.  If you drink coffee or tea, drink it in the morning.  Avoid drinking anything before you go to bed.  If you wake up in the middle of the night to use the restroom, it interrupts the good sleep your body could be getting.  Don’t do anything stressful before bed.  Take 30 minutes or so to relax and reflect, so that when your head hits the pillow it’s easier to fall asleep.

Get some sleep, it’ll help you look and feel your best.