Whether you are doing P90X, P90X3, Focus T25, or any of the Beachbody Programs, sleep is important in getting results. Today I want to share two tips to getting better sleep during P90X. While I will reference P90X, think about how you could apply these tips into your Beachbody workout program to get the best results possible.
Now, sleep is only one part of the success puzzle. But, if you are working out hard, eating clean, and keeping your stress low, this could be a missing puzzle piece. Neglecting sleep is like filling your gas talk halfway and expecting to travel on a tankful.
Two Tips to Getting Better Sleep during P90X
In the below video I share two tips that I started taking to address some sleeping issues. My first point was to ensure I get a consistent 7-8 hours per night. If you aren’t getting that, PLAN to get at least 7-8 hours per night during your workout program.
Tips to Getting Better Sleep during P90X Explained More
Beyond what I mentioned in the above video, I did some research as I mentioned to figure out if this was just a bunch of fluff or if it was real.
I will honestly say that YES, I have noticed a difference after covering my eyes with the eye mask during sleep and drinking/eating protein before bed. But here are some interesting things that I found that might help you in securing that decision to taking your sleep with P90X seriously:
Sleeping with Lights = Bad Sleep Hygiene
Dr. Mercola has an interesting article where he mentions the importance of sleep hygiene for best health functions. Anything from being grumpy, to suffering from a form of “jet lag”, to horrible things like accelerated cancel cell proliferation and plaques in the brain – all from poor sleep.
The article also mentions that research has eluded to light pollution. Not only that, the light pollution can disturb ecosystems, all due to artificial lights. So if you have:
- The TV on during sleep
- A backlit clock
- A bunch of little blinky lights (phone, fire alarm, DVD standby light)
You might be victim to some of these bad sleep hygiene problems (crazy and almost unbelievable right?).
The solution: The Eye Mask! Pick it up at your favorite store for next to nothing, and see how it helps you fall asleep and get a deeper sleep.
Drinking/Eating Protein 30-60 minutes before sleep
There is a lot of controversial research behind Whey Protein before bed as I mention in the video. Some believe Casein Protein is better for you (although I have had team members who complain that Casein gives them tummy problems).
In my research, let alone my own benefit I have received out of this, whey protein can INDEED be good for you before bed.
According to Livestrong (among many other sites I looked at), whey protein before bed can help burn fat and help recovery when you are on your workout journey.
Whey protein has branched-chain amino acids that help while you are asleep. While you build muscle at night (which is another reason sleep is important), your body needs something to feed on. Carbs are for energy, which we don’t need (zzzzz), but PROTEIN can help restore and rebuild!
Where can you get your hands on a good quality protein? I recommend Optimum Nutrition Natural Whey Protein. Not only does it have only 5g of carbs per serving, it doesn’t have artificial sugars and flavorings, which we definitely don’t need before bed!
Check out ON Whey Protein at Vitamin Shoppe for the best price that I could find (about half off of other vitamin stores I have shopped at in the past).
I hope you found this post on getting better sleep during P90X helpful! If you did, share this with others that might find it useful. Most importantly, comment below and let me know if it has helped you if you try these tips out! Also, don’t forget to Join Team Sweet Life for more tips and tricks within Team Beachbody!
Yours in Fitness Success,
Coach Bob