It’s summertime, and that means taking advantage of the warmer temperatures. What better way to enjoy a day outside than to engage in some level of physical activity or sport? Whether it be playing frisbee, going for a run, or opting for swim aerobics, an outdoor workout can not only burn calories, but it can also help you sleep better! Find out why sleep is your number one friend for effectively recovering after a good workout.

How is Sleep a Beneficial Recovery Method?

After a hard workout, the first thing you probably feel like doing is taking a shower. While yes, this is something you should most certainly do, the next step to properly recovering is getting adequate sleep. Nowadays, there are too many products on the shelves that promise to “minimize soreness,” or “restore your energy,” but what you really need is a date with your comfy, cozy bed.

Sleep is your body’s way of healing itself and recovering from all sorts of strenuous activity. Not only does it restore your brain, but it also removes any toxins that can result in negative cognitive brain function. Sleep is also great for decreasing your risk for health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression.

Okay, that’s great, but how can it help with a post-workout?

The answer is that while you’re sleeping, your muscles are repairing themselves. Whether running at your local park or using your upper body at Central Park Rock Climbing, your muscles break down during your workout, and in order for them to rebuild and strengthen, they need ample time to relax and repair.

You might be surprised to learn that many professional athletes make it a priority to get as much sleep as possible so their bodies can be “properly recovered” for the next game!

How Can You Improve Your Sleep?

With so many distractions and ways to keep you from getting the sleep you need, it isn’t always easy striving for a solid 8 or 9 hours of sleep. If you are struggling and want to learn how you can improve your sleep, try the following tips:

• Keep the temperature in your bedroom cool. Your body naturally lowers in temperature before going to sleep, and this will aid this process.
• If possible, purchase blackout curtains or try to make your bedroom dark when sleeping. Lights from your cell phone, TV, or even alarm clock can cause you to lose precious hours during the night. In situations where you cannot control how much light is entering your room, try a sleep mask.
• Make sure you’re producing enough melatonin, a sleep hormone, by putting away any electronics at least one hour before bed. The blue light that is emitted by computers, cell phones, and TVs is proven to reduce melatonin.

Apart from the tips mentioned above, if you’re still struggling with getting adequate sleep, talk to your doctor about having a sleep study. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, it will be necessary for you to seek treatment in order to achieve the right amount of rest each night. You will begin to notice a difference in how you feel when working out, as well as your ability to successfully rest and recoup after exercising. With effective treatment, your brain and body will thank you.

About the Practice
At Mt. Holly Family Dentistry, our dentists take the time to get to know every patient. By answering questions, personalizing treatment, and addressing any concerns or fears, we can establish a welcoming and inviting environment for everyone who walks through our doors. Offering a wide array of dental services, we’ll exceed your expectations no matter what type of treatment you receive. If you suffer from sleep apnea, we offer beneficial solutions, such as oral appliance therapy, that can have you getting the rest you need in no time at all. For questions about our services, visit our website or call (609) 267-3230.