When it comes to real wellness – and real progress – sleep is an underrated champ. Good sleep, specifically the kind where you get some solid REM sleep in, is a gamechanger for your physical performance, mood and general energy levels. Here’s everything you need to know about sleep.
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The quality of your power-down routine almost always determines the quality of your sleep – and in turn, the quality of your day the next day.
Tips for good sleep habits
- Switch doom-scrolling on your phone for reading or just chilling
- Set the vibe with soft, relaxing lighting
- Create a consistent bedtime routine that calms your mind
- Avoid heavy meals or caffeine before bed
- Aim for 7 – 9 hours of good sleep
- Understanding your sleep cycles, especially REM, to get the most out of your rest
Speaking of sleep cycles, here’s your cheat sheet
REM – The one where you dream, and your brain does its most intense memory and learning work.
Light Sleep – Your body starts to relax and recharge while you sleep.
Deep Sleep – The type of sleep when your muscles repair and energy gets restored. Now we’re talking.
Awake – The one where you’re half-conscious, but your body is prepping to fully wake up (and hit snooze 😏).
Goodnight to another extreme fad diet
Breaking free from the fad diet culture we’ve been fed is no easy feat. But real change comes from finding a sustainable, balanced approach to eating – and we believe you can do it.
Our position on nutrition? It’s always food first, rich in nutrients and balanced to support your body’s needs. As for supplements, we believe that they’re secondary to a healthy, balanced diet and should always be taken with the guidance of an actual dietitian.
And when it comes to catching those Z’s, what’s on your plate really has an impact on your journey into dreamland.
Snuggle closer to good quality sleep by:
- Enjoying magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, nuts, and seeds to help your muscles relax
- Giving your body enough time to digest a hearty meal before bedtime
- Sipping on chamomile tea in the evening to ease into rest mode
- Limiting caffeine, too many alcoholic drinks, or even spicy foods that can keep you tossing and turning
Let’s stop chasing quick fixes and start building long-term habits that nourish us from the inside out. Wanna talk to a pro to help guide you in the right direction? Book an online dietitian consultation with a Virgin Active Dietitian.