{"id":4938,"date":"2025-03-19T12:09:30","date_gmt":"2025-03-19T12:09:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.landofbeds.co.uk\/help-and-advice\/?p=4938"},"modified":"2025-06-12T13:02:24","modified_gmt":"2025-06-12T12:02:24","slug":"fasting-dont-forget-about-rest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.landofbeds.co.uk\/help-and-advice\/lifestyle\/fasting-dont-forget-about-rest\/","title":{"rendered":"Fasting? Don\u2019t Forget About Rest"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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Studies suggest that fasting, particularly intermittent fasting, can have long-term health benefits*. It can help with weight loss and balance blood sugar levels. Fasting may also lower blood pressure. It can protect against chronic conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. But while adjusting your eating patterns, there\u2019s another crucial piece of the puzzle people often miss \u2014 getting enough quality rest<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Natalie Pennicotte-Collier, Hypnos\u2019 resident wellbeing specialist, prioritising rest is just as important as managing your diet<\/strong> during fasting periods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Focusing on restoring rest quality and simplifying your routine is the best way to feel better when fasting,”<\/em> she explains. “Strong morning and evening habits help your body recharge \u2014 and you\u2019ll even find it easier to beat that \u2018hangry\u2019 feeling!”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Morning Habits Matter Just as Much as Bedtime<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your body runs on its own internal clock \u2014 known as the circadian rhythm \u2014 guiding everything from digestion to mood. A consistent morning routine can be a game-changer, helping you drift off more easily at night while also improving your overall amount of time<\/strong> in deep rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research shows it takes as little as two weeks of good habits to notice the difference in how rested and refreshed you feel. Morning light exposure, regular movement, and balanced fasting periods<\/strong> all play a part in keeping your natural rhythm steady.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protect Your Rest Window<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If there\u2019s one thing you shouldn\u2019t compromise on, it\u2019s carving out enough hours to recharge. Aim for a consistent 7-8 hour window each night \u2014 not just catching up at weekends. Protecting this amount of sleep<\/strong> regularly supports heart health, growth hormone production, and helps reduce the risk of developing sleep disorders<\/strong> or other chronic conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feeling Out of Sync? It\u2019s Normal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As you adjust to new routines, expect a temporary dip in energy or mild \u2018jet lag\u2019. Changing eating patterns or tweaking your sleep-wake cycle<\/strong> can leave you feeling off for a few days \u2014 but stick with it. Your body clock will soon align, allowing you to enjoy the long-term health rewards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start Your Day Right with Natural Light<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Feeling groggy or irritable (hello, \u2018hangry\u2019!) during fasting? One of the best fixes is morning sunlight. Natural light helps reset your circadian rhythm, improving mood and stabilising energy levels. It also reduces sleep problems<\/strong> later on, supporting a smoother fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Move Your Body to Recharge Better<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Adding movement \u2014 especially morning and evening \u2014 helps your body relax and recover. A simple 30-minute walk outdoors is enough to deepen rest later that night. Gentle activity also supports gut health, aids digestion, and keeps your body clock balanced \u2014 all of which are important for heart health and blood sugar control during fasting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Create a Restful Sanctuary<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your environment matters just as much as your routines. A supportive mattress<\/a>, a cool, dark space, and minimising background noise all help your brain fully switch off \u2014 giving your body the restorative downtime it craves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even small distractions, like humming gadgets or glowing screens, can disrupt your rest. By creating a space designed for proper recovery, you\u2019re setting yourself up to handle intermittent fasting and maintain your wellbeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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