Sleep

Q: Is it ok for me to workout after a night of little or no sleep?

A: One or two nights of poor sleep should not prevent you from working out.  It also should not have a negative impact on your performance.

Consistently getting inadequate sleep (sleep deprivation) will have a negative impact on your performance during a workout.  It will also have a negative impact on your day-to-day activities, brain function, and immune system.  Studies have found the following effects of sleep deprivation:

•         Decreased exercise endurance

•         Increased rate of perceived exertion

•         Increased levels of stress hormones - which results in memory impairment and insulin resistance

•         Decreased ability to ward off illness

•         Impaired muscle recovery

•         Decreased glycogen synthesis – impairing the process of converting stored fuel to energy

In cases of sleep deprivation, it is more beneficial to rest/sleep than to workout.

It is important to note that humans are creatures of habit.  Beyond regular and adequate amounts of sleep, the following areas will also have a positive impact on your workouts:

•         Routine meals consisting of healthy foods

•         Proper hydration

•         Adequate rest/recovery between workout sessions

•         Healthy relationships

•         A daily opportunity to relieve stress