Big Workout? Make Sure You Get Plenty of Sleep

If you picked up a new fitness routine this summer, you know how important it is to recover properly after a workout. You might think this means taking some kind of post-workout shake or supplement, but it can actually be as simple as getting a good night’s rest. Learn more about why sleep is often the perfect follow-up to extensive exercise – and why, consequently, sleep apnea in Weatherford could prevent you from reaping these essential benefits.

Why Do You Need to Sleep After a Workout?

When you tax your muscles through physical activity, they break down. It’s when they’re rebuilt that they have a chance to become stronger and more fit. However, this doesn’t happen during the actual exercise; it’s only with recovery that they’ll start to adapt. Your body has the best chance to recover from the day’s activities while you’re asleep. During this time, damaged muscle tissue is given a chance to repair and recharge itself.

Of course, sleep has plenty of other health benefits that are essential for a good workout. Getting a full 7 or 8 hours of sleep every night lowers your risk of obesity, diabetes, depression and high blood pressure; it also improves your focus and energy levels so that you can dedicate yourself to your routine. Basically, if you’re trying to stay in shape, you need to make sure you’re spending enough time in bed!

What if You Have Sleep Apnea?

When you have sleep apnea, your body keeps waking up so breathing can restart. (It happens quickly, so you might not even remember it happening.) Because of this, the body won’t be able to reach the later stages of the sleep cycle that are needed to repair the muscles; the amount of time spent asleep doesn’t matter if it’s constantly being interrupted. As a result, if you have sleep apnea, you might not be able to fully recover from a workout, and continuing to push yourself might end up causing permanent damage.

How Can You Get the Rest You Need If You Have Sleep Apnea?

Luckily, sleep apnea treatment in Weatherford has a very high success rate. An oral appliance can adjust your mouth so that the airway stays open; sometimes it might be combined with a CPAP machine that supplies a steady stream of oxygen throughout the night. In the meantime, you can sometimes reduce your symptoms by sleeping on your side and losing excess weight.

If you suspect that sleep apnea or another disorder is keeping you up at night, it’s best to have your condition diagnosed as soon as possible. Otherwise, the lack of recovery will mean that your workouts are doing more harm than good. Catch some z’s so that you can reach your fitness goals!

About the Author

Dr. Deborah A. Romack is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and has spent a lot of time studying the signs and symptoms of sleep breathing disorders like sleep apnea as well as how to treat them. To make an appointment at her practice, Weatherford Dental Sleep Medicine, visit her website or call (817) 594-3806.