Most people know sleep is important, but they might not realize just how big of a deal it is—especially when it comes to healing. Sleep plays a huge role in both physical and mental health, and not getting enough of it can seriously slow down your recovery.
Why Sleep Helps You Heal
If you want your body to heal properly, you need to give it time to rest. That means getting enough sleep each night so your body can repair itself. Most people need around seven to eight hours of sleep, but if you’re recovering from an injury, you might need nine or even ten hours.
When you sleep, your body goes through different stages that are crucial for recovery:
- Stage 1: You start to drift off, and your muscles begin to relax.
- Stage 2: Your heart rate slows down, and your body temperature drops.
- Stage 3 (Deep Sleep): This is where the magic happens. Blood flow increases, and your body releases growth hormones that repair and build muscles.
If you’re not getting enough deep sleep, your body produces less of these growth hormones, which can make it harder to heal from injuries.
Sleep Helps Lower Stress
Getting enough sleep also helps reduce stress by lowering cortisol levels (that’s the stress hormone). High cortisol levels break down tissues for energy, which is the opposite of what growth hormones do. When you sleep well, cortisol levels drop, making it easier for your body to rebuild and recover.
Plus, sleep improves your mood and reduces feelings of stress, which helps you stay positive and motivated during recovery.
Also Read: Which Natural Supplements Help Ease Muscle Soreness?
Do You Need More Sleep When You’re Injured?
Yes! When your body is healing, it needs more growth hormones—and those are released during deep sleep, which happens every 90 minutes or so during your sleep cycle. More sleep means more deep sleep phases, which means more growth hormones to help with healing.
If you’re feeling extra tired during the day, that’s your body’s way of telling you it needs more rest. Skipping sleep when you’re recovering can slow down healing and even lead to complications. If you’re having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about ways to improve your sleep.
Tips for Better Sleep
A lot of us don’t get enough sleep, especially when life gets busy. But good sleep is essential, especially when you’re recovering. Here are some simple tips to help you sleep better:
✅ Stick to a schedule – Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to help your body develop a natural rhythm.
✅ Keep naps short – Limit naps to 90 minutes and avoid napping after mid-afternoon.
✅ Cut back on caffeine – Especially in the afternoon and evening.
✅ Watch your alcohol intake – Drinking too much can mess with your sleep quality.
✅ Avoid late-night snacking – Especially junk food, which can make it harder to fall asleep.
✅ Keep pets off the bed – They might disturb your sleep.
✅ Avoid screens before bed – Try to stay off your phone, TV, and computer at least an hour before bed.
✅ Try meditation – Guided meditation can help you relax and fall asleep faster. There are lots of free apps and YouTube channels to help with this.
Also Read: What Practices Aid Recovery After a Sprain?
Final Thoughts
Getting enough sleep is one of the best things you can do to help your body recover from an injury. Sleep gives your body the time it needs to repair, reduces stress, and improves your mood—all of which speed up healing. If you’re trying to get back on your feet, make sleep a priority. Your body will thank you!
