Sleeping With a Mission

Last week I talked about the benefits of sleep, but how much do you actually need? A good general benchmark is 7 hours, but health and fitness are never one-size-fits-all. The real rule of thumb is doing what helps you feel genuinely rested. Personally, I love giving myself the freedom to wake up without an alarm whenever possible.

(Fun fact: As we age, our sleep needs shift, and research suggests women actually tend to need more sleep than men!)

Simple Tips to Optimize Your Rest: If you're struggling with insomnia, these aren't overnight magic erasers, but building these habits will absolutely help point your body in the right direction:

● Stick to a schedule – Keep consistent sleep/wake times.

● Sunlight & Darkness – Get bright sun in your eyes during the day; make your room pitch black at night.

● Screen boundaries – Turn off the electronics well before bed.

● Watch the caffeine – Cut it off early in the day (3:00 is the time for me).

● PM Fluids – Reduce liquids right before bed to avoid midnight bathroom trips.

● Lower stress – Stay active, get outside, and wind down.

● Supplement support – Consider looking into Omega-3 fish oil, magnesium, zinc, and Vitamin D.

One of the best ways to make the most out of the day is what we do at night.