Sleep is crucial to healthy body functioning. But in today’s fast paced world are we obtaining adequate sleep? How much sleep is adequate sleep?

I use the word “obtain” purposefully when referring to sleep.Adequate sleep is a goal to be achieved, like all other health-related goals.We work to “get in shape,”perfect a technique, ingest adequate nutrition, and achieve overall health. Adequate sleep is another vital component of every martial artist’s training, both physical and mental.

It is obvious to most of us that sleep is required to reach our physical goals.We need sleep to rest and repair our bodies, including our brains. Sleep actually increases the function of the immune system.This is why we should be sure to obtain adequate sleep when fighting off a cold, flu, or other infection. Of course, it’s advisable to regularly obtain adequate sleep so that we can decrease the likelihood of the onset of such infections!

The brain requires sleep, the same as the rest of the body, for physiological processes that rejuvenate it. For the brain this means restoring neurons, replenishing neurotransmitters, increasing production of brain proteins and some hormones. This also includes the hormones controlling growth. Children need even more sleep than adults, and this sleep is crucial for adequate growth. Sleep may also affect the brain’s efficiency at controlling energy balance.

In addition to these “physiological”needs for sleep, the brain requires sleep for a number of other vital tasks. Adequate sleep increases our ability to learn, as well as our ability to process what we have learned and retain it. This applies to both “mental” learning as well as “physical” learning (techniques). Furthermore, sleep not only increases memory, but also “deletes”unneeded memories.

So how much sleep is enough? Generally, 7-8 hours of sleep per 24 hours is recommended for normal, healthy adults. According to researchers, increased exercise does not increase the amount of sleep needed.However, every person is unique and an individual’s need may vary from the “norm,” as well as from day to day.You may be “OK” with only six hours of sleep, but be sure not to sacrifice this vital component of your health.You will enjoy your body and your health much more if you “work at”obtaining the optimal amount of this “nutrient.”

 

Martial Arts Success Stories

Peter Paidoussis, Age 12

The martial arts are a very important part of my life. As a little boy, I had always dreamed of being in the martial arts. I had asked my father to take me to different dojos to see what the martial arts were like.

I have been training now for more than two years. Before I joined the martial arts, my schoolwork was never done well. I was always misbehaving in class, not doing my homework, and always getting into trouble at home. Now I am excelling in all my classes and my teachers have noticed a big difference.

Since I have been training in the martial arts for so long, I have been growing faster and becoming stronger. I am dedicating my life to the marital arts because of what it has to offer, and what I can give back to it. Peter Paidoussis is a student at Robert Waltzer’s Aikido School of Self Defense.

 

Is Your Child Fit for Life?

According to recent studies, many of today’s kids are spending way too much time “glued to the tube” and “surfing the net”. As a result, they are not getting the exercise they need to stay healthy and fit.

Parents: Why not make sure your child stays in shape with our “Fit for Life” martial arts program?

Our specialized curriculum teaches kids valuable selfprotection skills and builds confidence like no other activity. Plus, every class we teach provides a safe, fun, high-energy workout that motivates children to reach new levels of mental and physical performance.

So parents, give your child the edge. Try our special “Fit for Life” martial arts program today! for your child and we do too!

Would you like to become a more powerful person?

Once you start learning martial arts, you'll become powerful in ways you’ve never imagined.

Naturally, our martial arts classes will increase your physical strength, teach you practical self-defense skills and give you plenty of extra energy. But wait until you see how much we’ll strengthen your mind.

Our unique curriculum will teach you how to focus like a laser. We’ll coach you into higher levels of confidence, self-discipline, and courage. Plus, we’ll rocket your attitude to the next level and beyond. But best of all, our students see results FAST!

So if you’re ready to make your mind, body and spirit more powerful than ever - call now!