Sleep for Health and Fitness
Getting sleep for health and fitness is crucial for me. From time to time I ask myself, “What’s the MOST important thing I can do for my health and fitness?”
My first thought usually revolves around food. Something that I shouldn’t eat. Or something that I should eat more of.
Then I think about exercise. Am I getting enough? Of the right kind – not too much cardio and not enough strength right?
But what I have found is the very most important thing for me is getting enough sleep. Followed up by drinking enough water. Those are two really simple things actually, but also some of the first to go when I get busy and stressed.
While the right foods and the right exercise is so important, I find that skimping on sleep is the most critical factor. If I don’t sleep enough, it is almost impossible to get good exercise the next day. And I find I crave carbohydrates, maybe because I am low on energy.
I’ve been focused on good health for many years now. Jill and I started working on our Becoming Elli website in the fall of 2017 and our podcast at the beginning of 2018. It’s amazing all the information I’ve learned during this time and all the incremental steps I’ve taken.
While scientists have learned a lot about sleep and it’s effect on the brain and body, there is still so much more to learn. I know that I can fall asleep quickly and easily, but staying asleep can be harder for me. I also tend to wake up around the same time every morning, regardless of when I go to bed. So setting an early bedtime is important for me.
Besides an early bedtime, I try to have an evening routine that lasts about 15 minutes before getting into bed. It helps me wind down and signal my mind and body that it’s time to sleep. Dark curtains, a slightly cool bedroom, a comfortable pillow, and quiet surroundings with a bit of white noise also really helps.
How important is regular consistent sleep to your health and fitness? Do you consider it the number one thing for your well being? Leave a comment below and let me know what you think.
Silvija Meilunaite
May 13, 2025 at 2:41 amHey Sally,
Sleep is one of the most important things for me at the moment. I used to think that I was getting a good night sleep, but since I got a fitness tracker I have realised that my sleep wasn’t that great. I have now have a night time routine that I try to follow every night:https://barefootbasil.com/night-time-routine/ .
The most changes I have noticed since trying to eat a bit earlier and taping my mouth as I am a mouth breather and this helps me get way more REM sleep.
Chris Brown
June 17, 2025 at 12:55 pmHi Silvija:
Thanks for your comment. I really don’t think I could get used to taping my mouth. Maybe I should try it, as I know I open my mouth during the night.
I actually have not heard of trying that before. Since I have sinus problems, it might be a tough one for me to implement.
Thanks,
Chris
Silvija Meilunaite
August 4, 2025 at 4:20 amIt is not as bad as it seems in the beginning :). But If you have sinus problems, it might not be for you. I would try nasal strips to open the nose a bit more. Or best of all calming breath work and meditation before falling asleep 🙂
Sally Duplantier
March 22, 2025 at 10:30 pmChris, I couldn’t agree more about the importance of sleep. Much of my research has examined how lack of sleep affects long-term brain health! It isn’t good! Most of us in the US are habitual undersleepers. We’ll set the alarm for a 5:30 am exercise class, getting only 6 hours of sleep, and somehow think it’s beneficial. It’s not! We’d be far better off getting an extra hour of sleep. Better yet, go to bed an hour earlier so you can do both!
Chris Brown
March 25, 2025 at 10:00 amHi Sally –
Honestly I used to do that with a 5:30 spinning class on Monday and Friday and doing a boot camp type class at 5:30 on Tuesday and Thursday. It felt good to be so fit, however my cortisol levels were much too high and caused other problems. Now much exercise is more moderate or easy and usually around 8 am.
Chris