Sleep

Let's talk about sleep. Any time the season changes it always effects my sleep cycles. And if you know me at all, you know sleep is very important to me. Ask Anton how pleasant his life is when I don't get 9 hours a night :)

A good night sleep is just as important as regular exercise and a healthy diet. Research shows that poor sleep has immediate negative effects on your hormones, exercise performance and brain function. It can also cause weight gain and increase disease risk in both adults and children.

In contrast, good sleep can help you eat less, exercise better and be healthier. If you want to improve your health or even lose a little weight, then getting a good night's sleep is one of the most important things you can do. Here's a few things you can try to get a better night's sleep.

1. Get on a schedule. Ayurveda (the sister science to yoga) encourages routine and consistency in your daily routine. Going to bed at the same time every night and getting up at the same time every morning helps your body's circadian rhythm.

2. Turn off the screens. Try reducing your intake of blue lights an hour before you go to sleep. Read a book, listen to a podcast or music. Going back to your circadian rhythm...Your body's natural "clock" needs darkness to produce your "sleepy" hormones.

3. Aim for 7 hours. This is the new recommendation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society for adults to avoid various health risks.

Remember, yoga is a lifestyle and holistic practice. Which means, your diet, stress, sleep and movement all directly effect each other.