HGH - Unleash Your Power

A few interesting facts about Human Growth Hormone (HGH) :

1. You make it naturally.

2. The majority (75-95%) is produced while you sleep. It can’t get any easier than that.

3. Exercise is the other primary contributor to the release of HGH. As an athlete, you are already fulfilling that piece.

So, if you already exercise and you already sleep, can you still influence HGH? Yes!  The quality of your sleep plays a role in the production of HGH. Slow wave, often referred to as deep sleep, is key. When you don’t have adequate sleep or you experience sleep disturbances, your quantity and quality of this stage of sleep is diminished.

Deep sleep isn’t just responsible for HGH production. Deep sleep is also responsible for the restoration of your body and mind. Muscle repair and growth, memory consolidation (those new skills you practiced today) and the clean up needed after a hard workout – both in the body and the brain.

Here are some tips for better quality sleep so you can max out your deep sleep needs and increase HGH production.

1.       Hydrate throughout the day – avoid too many liquids close to bedtime to avoid disturbing your sleep with a trip to the bathroom

2.       Avoid blue light from electronics close to bedtime. Blue light disrupts the natural sleep cycle.

3.       Avoid caffeine late in the day, or eating too close to bedtime.

4.       Keep your bedroom dark, cool and quiet.

5.       Keep a regular sleep schedule. This isn’t always easy but it may have the biggest impact on deep sleep.

6.       Reduce stress – another big one that is easier said than done. This one deserves it’s own post.

7.       Supplements can be helpful for specific situations but try the items above first.

We’ll address sleep and it’s many benefits in upcoming posts.