Why the Right Pillow is Important for Crossfitters
Crossfit isn’t just about exercise; it’s a lifestyle that impacts (and is impacted by) many different aspects of your daily routine. Crossfitters are go-getters. They like to keep themselves busy and take proactive steps to better their lives. But a common problem for this type of person is a chronic lack of sleep. Unfortunately, busy people often have trouble budgeting into their schedules enough time for a proper night’s rest. No matter how busy you are, establishing a suitable sleep routine is essential, and investing in a quality pillow can help you make the most of the time you have to rest.
Let’s dive into the reasons why sleeping well can make you a better Crossfitter and a healthier person overall:
Why is Sleep Important to Crossfit Athletes?
- More rest equals better performance
- Sleep reduces the risk of injury
- Sleeping poorly impacts brain function (mental toughness)
- Bad sleep leads to bad eating habits
- Consistent sleep delivers energy
- Great sleep helps with recovery
Sleep Decreases Stress
If you’re a habitual under-sleeper, your body will increase its level of cortisol, known colloquially as the “stress hormone.” Elevated levels of cortisol can increase the incidence of stress (of course), heart disease, memory difficulties, immune deficiencies, and obesity.
Getting the proper amount of sleep on a regular basis cuts down on your body’s secretion of cortisol, keeping anxiety and depression away. It also allows your body to store and use energy and nutrients more efficiently, keeping you powered up for your daily workout.
Sleep Reduces Your Risk of Injury
Sleep gives our bodies time to recover from the wear-and-tear it sustains each day. A recent study showed that participants in youth athletics were less likely to get injured if they got a full night’s sleep. Tired athletes aren't able to react quickly thus putting them at a higher risk of injury. In fact, proper sleep may be a more accurate predictor of athletic performance than the hours of practice an athlete has logged.
Make sure you’re prepared to withstand a hearty session of Crossfit by properly resting your body before you work out!
Sleeping Poorly Hurts Your Mental Health
If you don’t sleep well, you may start to notice that your lack of sleep takes a toll on your mental health. In addition to the depression, memory loss, and anxiety discussed above, sleep deprivation can cause mood swings and symptoms similar to those of bipolar disorder. When your body is asleep, your brain takes the time it needs to regulate the flows of epinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine to and from your neurotransmitters. These hormones help to regulate your mood and behavior, keeping you in the right frame of mind to make your way through the day and perform well during your workout.
Consistency is Key
Many people live their lives under the assumption that they can skimp on sleep during the week and erase all their poor sleep habits by getting a few hours of extra sleep over the weekend. The math might work on paper, but in practice, it doesn’t deliver your body what it needs.
Building up a deficit of sleep during the week disrupts your body’s circadian rhythms. Not only does this disruption make it harder to sleep well on the weekends, but it also introduces additional complications that can affect your concentration and the optimal functioning of your body’s systems.
The Perfect Pillow is Your MVP
Adjusting your schedule isn’t the only step you can take to improve your typical night’s sleep. A pillow is more than just a decoration for your bed or something to stick underneath your head as you sleep. A pillow is your number-one partner in getting a great night’s sleep, so you should invest in one that’s comfortable, durable, and made from high-quality materials that support your head and neck.
The Luxe Pillow is a great option for those who are looking to upgrade their sleep experience. It features a special three-layer system for comfort and temperature control throughout the night. If you love down, there’s a Luxe Pillow for you, but if you’re allergic, there are great alternatives as well. Lesser pillows wear down quickly, developing areas full of lumps and areas that sink. But the Luxe Pillow is crafted with durability in mind, providing years of dependable performance.
Visit LuxePillow.com for more on what the Luxe Pillow can do to boost your sleep routine!