Whole 30: Day 2 – The Importance of Sleep
Sleep is important. Sleep is important. Sleep is important.
When it comes to health, a lot of us tend to skip out on one of the easiest ways for our bodies to heal: sleep. Studies have shown that those who sleep more have a higher chance at weight loss, better immune systems, and better moods.
When we sleep, our bodies regulate our hormones and allow our minds and bodies to grow, heal, rest, and restore. Therefore the lack of sleep, will break this process and can lead to increased risks of diseases, exhaustion, and even depression.
Last night was one of the first weeknights I didn’t have to work in awhile. I studied for my Health Coaching course at lunch time, so I decided just to relax for the evening and catch up on some TV shows.
Well, one thing I learned is that there are certain shows you are able to watch during the week no problem (say ones that are 45 mins to 1 hour long) and then there are shows that should only be watched on the weekend, or with adequate time to spare (1.5 hour long shows). I recently got into the Sherlock Holmes series on Netflix (the one where Bilbo from the Hobbit is John Watson) and watched a bit too much of it last night, causing me to stay up way later than my body appreciated and am used too.
Because of this, I felt extremely exhausted and down throughout the day. I was tempted more to chew a piece of gum, or eat a small piece of candy to give me more energy or make me feel better. However, I understood when I was craving sweets today that the craving was birthed out of a imbalance in my hormone levels from my lack of sleep and desire just to feel more awake through sugar. So, knowing this, I fought the temptation and decide to get a cup of tea instead.
Other than the cravings driven by lack of sleep, the day went well. I ate compliant meals, went to the gym, made dinner and am about to relax with my husband. I also made one of my favorite dishes for dinner – Ground Beef Meat Sauce with Spaghetti Squash (President’s Choice “Roasted Garlic” flavor is Whole 30 Compliant) – delicious! Check this link here for some recipes involving Spaghetti Squash.
So my dearest friends, know that if you want to get all the results Whole 30 can offer, you must sleep and sleep for enough hours consistently.
Therefore, I leave you with a strong exhortation and plea: When it’s bed time, turn off that TV and allow your body to re-coop, rest, and sleep, sleep, sleep.
