Have you ever heard, 'Sleep is King'? Or perhaps the Irish proverb: "A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book!" 

We can all agree that sleep is EXTREMELY important, which begs the question, why do we struggle so much with getting a proper night's rest? 

There is of course the increase in screen time, late night snacks and Netflix binging, or maybe a little human crawling into your bed at 2am. 

Despite our knowledge of these factors, and the practice of creating a bed time routine (chamomile tea, magnesium, a good book...) many of us do not sleep the recommended 8 hours. 

Our sleep is governed by an internal clock, referred to as the circadian rhythm. While this is affected by factors that influence our metabolism and hormones, like diet, it is more largely controlled by daylight. Burning adequate energy in the day, especially outside, can tell our bodies when it is time to rest. If we can time our activities with the sun, we are more likely to rest well when night falls. More importantly, we will have more DEEP sleep. 

Have you ever taken your kid to the wave pool, or maybe out for a day of tobogganing? Do you notice how quickly they pass out when they get home, or maybe even in the car! This physical activity, especially outside, may be the key to regulating your sleep cycles.

In the winter, I am aim to spend 1 hour outdoors, while in the spring and fall I go for 2 hours, and in the summer I aim for 4! Of course it is easier in the summer, and you may have realized how rested and reset you felt after a camping trip. In the winter, something like skiing can be great! I have noticed these type of activities not only burn energy, they clear the mind (active meditation), and reduce stress. 

This all leads to more restful sleep, more energy, and the ability for your body to better adapt!

I'll be heading to Lake Louise for a week to test this out, I'll let you know how the long days of skiing go!

Let's hack our sleep together 🙂