If the positive benefits of sleep were negligible and its role negotiable, then it would have been phased out by evolution eons ago.

Sleep leaves us incredibly vulnerable and unable to hunt, gather or indeed perform any physical or mental task, considering this, what it brings to the table must be significant and this is especially true when considering its relationship with health, exercise, and recovery. The importance of sleep can be observed when lack of sleep or sleep deprivation occurs leading to a progressive host of physical and mental debilitations and ultimately death.

In simple terms, sleep is a state of reduced physical and mental activity. During this period the body remains in a largely anabolic state, restoring key systems such as the immune, nervous, skeletal, and muscular systems. 

An easy way to consider the relationship between exercise and sleep is to think of the constant cycle of stimulation or stress, followed by rest or recuperation (including sleep) ultimately paving the way for adaptation or improvement. This simplification allows us to shift our consideration from the act of exercise being the only driving force within physical improvement to considering this as the stimulation or signal that then manifests into adaptation through the process of recovery. 

Another key area in which sleep can affect exercise is in the readiness to work, exercise at any level requires energy and alertness. An individual that is fatigued through poor quality or quantity of sleep will struggle to extract the potential from their body and will likely see a subpar performance as a result as well as an increased injury risk.

While sleep remains a non-negotiable aspect of humans and animals alike, many still struggle to access good sleep on a regular basis. The modern way of living provides distractions that can hamper the ability to fall asleep as can the consumption of foods and drink containing alcohol and caffeine. Stress, anxiety, the need to wake early the following day and electronic devices such as televisions and mobile phones can all impact or interfere with the natural cycle of wakefulness and sleep and therefore must be considered when trying to improve sleep habits.

It’s common place for individuals embarking on a health and fitness journey to consider the role of exercise and nutrition in relation to the positive changes they wish to see and while these variables may be implemented in many different ways depending on the desired outcome, the often-overlooked role that consistent, good quality sleep plays, remains irrefutable throughout.