Is Your Caffeine Addiction Robbing You of Sleep?

For an effective women’s fitness program, every girl needs to get plenty of sleep. Rest and relaxation are crucial to overall health and the lack of sleep can actually prevent you from losing weight. If you are drinking too much caffeine throughout the day or especially close to bedtime, your coffee, power drink or soda may be the culprit that is robbing you of sleep.

Although, experts consider moderate caffeine intake to be safe, if you aren’t getting the rest you need, it may be time to cut back on some of the caffeinated foods and beverages that you ingest. Caffeine blocks the sleep-inducing chemicals in the brain and increases adrenaline production. It’s interesting to note, that caffeine has no nutritional value for the body, and therefore is not necessary for optimum health.

Now, I am not saying that you have to give up your morning cup of Joe, but if you are loading that cup of coffee up with cream and sugar, you could be ingesting a whole lot more calories than you imagine. I suggest a fitness journal as the best way to monitor what you eat and drink. Not only for weight loss but also for tracking fat, sodium, cholesterol, sugar and even caffeine.

Most women need at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night. If you feel groggy and fatigued during the day, perhaps it is a lack of sleep that is keeping you from feeling your very best. Apart from caffeine in the diet, lack of exercise can keep you from getting enough rest. Exercise increases circulation and will actually help to promote sleep, as long as you finish exercising at least 3 hours before retiring to bed.

Just remember that a good night’s sleep is essential for women’s fitness and will add significant benefits to your overall health. When we rest, we allow our bodies to build new cells and repair existing ones, we give our minds time to process information and encourage emotional balance. Reasons enough to make sure you are getting the rest you need.