RIYADH — Yasmine Hassan, official Baytak Nadeek trainer and Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA) ambassador, emphasizes the important role that sleep plays in our overall wellbeing Proper sleep, something most people rebelled against as children and craved as adults, is probably the most important act of self-care. The far-reaching benefits of regular, uninterrupted sleep affect everything from a strengthened immune system, a stronger heart, improved memory, increase in physical performance, weight management and a better mood. While regular exercise is highly beneficial, if the purpose of doing so is weight management then not sleeping properly will undo a lot of the effort that went into the workout. In fact, insufficient sleep is strongly linked to weight gain because of havoc wreaked on hormone levels and a decrease in motivation to get up and move. Furthermore, sleep-deprived individuals tend to have a bigger appetite and eat more calories because of the fluctuations in appetite hormones and higher levels of ghrelin — the hormone that stimulates appetite, and reduced levels of leptin — the hormone that suppresses appetite. Post-workout sleep is also crucial to helping muscles repair and to lower inflammation. Without this down time for the body, nagging injuries will linger, having a long-term negative impact on training. “Regular, plentiful of sleep also makes your gut happier,” according to Yasmine, who is in the process of completing Level One of the Precision Nutrition Certification. “It is important to note that 75% of the body’s immune system is in the gut. The gut microbiota that resides in the gastrointestinal tract provides essential health benefits to its host, particularly by regulating immune homeostasis that helps fight off viral infections and disease,” she added. Studying nutrition is the latest qualification in her journey to her holistic approach to health and fitness. Previous certifications include being an ISSA Sports & Conditioning Instructor, an ACE Personal Trainer, an Injury REHAB Trainer, a CrossFit Certified L1 & L2 Trainer, CrossFit specialty courses in weightlifting, gymnastics, and judging, and has completed the OPEX Coaching Certificate Program (CCP) in program design, nutrition, movement assessment, and life