Using Sleep, HGH to Sky Rocket Your Performance

Is it just me, or is sleep synonymous with laziness? As if the person who sleep the least gets a badge of honor. Sleep is regarded as something people who aren't productive do too much of. Something that is only normal for babies to do.

Well, this couldn't be further from the truth.

As human, sleep is where we spend a TON of time. So, investing in it is wise. As an athlete that cares about performance and progress, proper and ample sleep is low hanging fruit for you to pluck and enjoy the benefits of.

Sure, you could think - well, "sleep is important because if you don't sleep, you're too tired to train or do things as good as you can". Yepp, boom. Nailed it. But, to say that is superficial and offers the athlete a way out.

"Well, it's okay, if I don't sleep enough this ONE night, it will only screw me over for tomorrow. I'll just get back on track tomorrow. Yeah, tomorrow. For sure."

Or, my personal favorite:

*THE ALARM GOES OFF AT 6AM*

"I'm SO TIRED! I'm going to get to bed early tonight, for sure."

*proceeds to stay up late that night, again*

Alright, alright. You get it - sleep is important. It's low hanging fruit, yet we often make excuses to not get it - whether it be because we're watching shows, movies, video games, or browsing our phones. Maybe you're mind is just racing whenever you turn the light out. It's time to put the phone, take control of stress, and take sleep seriously if you want to reach your athletic potential FASTER.

There are 3 stages to sleep:

• Stage 1 - a very light sleep that you can easily be awoken from. You're just starting to doze off and BOOM YOUR DOG BARKS at absolutely nothing, but she's protecting you from danger. So, now you're awake again - but safe. Good girl.

• Stage 2 - a slightly deeper sleep, you begin to relax and HGH (Human Growth Hormone) start being produced in the body. This stage is a common plateau for sleepers (everyone).

• Stage 3 - a deep, restorative sleep. HGH is produced at a much higher rate and blood vessels dilate to distribute HGH throughout the body. Muscles relax, recovery is induced, and the magic happens.

There is no other time throughout our 24 hours is HGH produced like it is during sleep - and it's natural. Your body wants to work like this, it craves this recovery - allow it to happen.

Oh yeah, and, HGH is important for so, so many reasons. From rebuilding and repairing tissues after injury (serious or acute), repairing the brain or other organs, BUILDING MUSCLE MASS, boosting metabolism (using calories to efficiently to fuel training + life), and burning fat. It is also said to help improve the quality and appearance of the skin - so, SLEEP.

How do you get more sleep? Here's a few helpful tips:

• Room Darkening Shades - you need your room to be dark. And, if you're like me and live in a city with street lights blasting in your window with the strength of 1,000 suns - then you need darkening shades to block it out. They are inexpensive and hugely valuable.

• Be More Active - if you're reading this, you're probably training for rugby. So, you may be active already. But, if you're not, get out there and move your body. You can't expect to be tired if you don't exert energy in your day. If you need help, ask us.

• Noise App - my personal favorite. I can't sleep without the sweet sounds of a mountain river rustling down the way. Or, maybe you're a bird chirping type of person - yikes - but either way, getting some soft, soothing background noise may help you slip in to sleepy land.

• Keep the Room Cool - like, make it sick, dude. Ya know? No, actually keep it colder - literally colder. The human body likes a cooler atmosphere in order to doze off peacefully. Has your A/C ever been out in the middle of summer? It's more miserable than a Panda Bear with no bamboo to munch on.

• Get a Night Time Routine - about 1 hour before your set bedtime, start you routine. Maybe it starts with a snack, then a show or a book, then brush your teeth and FLOSS, and then tucker in for the night. Am I sounding like a parent? Shit. I'll stop now. But, having a routine can help your body start to understand when to power down. Yes, it is smart like that.

Now, go the heck to sleep.