Most people talk about how important it is to remain active to maintain a healthly lifestyle, however the importance of rest and sleep is often overlooked.

Sleep helps muscle recovery and growth, rejuvenates the immune, skeletal and nervous systems so it’s critical you get enough!

To ensure you get your quota of zzzzz’s follow these top tips:

1. Consider sleep as part of your ‘well being’ routine.
2. Maintain a low “sleep debt” by obtaining a sufficient amount of nightly sleep (seven to eight hours for adults, nine or more hours for teens and young adults)
3.Try to go to bed and wake up at similar times each day. Avoid extensive weekend fluctuations.
4. If you’re feeling drowsy (and have the luxury!) try to take a brief nap during the day.
5. Try not to ‘oversleep’ as this will make you feel lethargic.

I find my ‘natural’ sleep pattern is lights out 10.30pm and I usually wake up baturally about 6.30am- 7.00am.

Do you have a ‘natural’ sleep pattern? Let me know in the comments below.