Dear Fitlode:

I am writing to share my own experience about my weight loss journey and some uncommon factors that made a substantial difference in my fitness productivity.

It was during my 30^th birthday celebration when I truly realized how unhappy I was with my physical condition. I looked back on all the promises I had made to myself about changing my lifestyle. When I was at college, I said I would get in better shape after I graduated and the constant partying died down. In my mid-to-late twenties I would justify my poor dieting and lack of exercise to my hectic work schedule. For whatever reason, I kept pushing the date when I would get my act together further and further away.

So when the 30-year mark hit, I just felt unsatisfied with the way I had been treating myself. Most of all, I was tired of being unsatisfied. Then it began. I was motivated to make a change and it felt great. I hired a personal trainer about two months after my 30^th birthday and I was well on my way to becoming the person I wanted to be…or so I thought.

My trainer was very informative and I felt comfortable with him. The first few weeks were miserable since I hadn’t done anything physically grueling since high-school and even then those workouts were lackadaisical at best. Nonetheless, I was undeterred. I had told myself I would do this if it killed me. I ate the foods that my trainer suggested. I completely stopped eating all the horrible things my diet consisted of up to that point. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t seem to muster up the energy to execute the exercises my trainer would prepare for me. I felt like he thought I was a complete slouch, but I was giving it my all during every workout. Worst of all, I felt that my trainer had suspicions that I was cheating on my diet, which I wasn’t. I was embarrassed to say the least and I began to seriously doubt myself. Weeks went by and the results hadn’t changed much. I was beginning to run out of options.

As a last ditch effort to save my goal of being healthy, I went to my doctor to see if there was anything he could do to inform me of what I may have been doing wrong. I explained how I changed my diet and how I was exercising. The thing was I almost felt worse and I was having trouble sleeping. I was just completely drained all the time. My doctor suggested I undergo a sleep observation at a nearby sleep clinic. He felt that I may be suffering from a sleeping disorder brought on by my obesity. At the time I was somewhat puzzled, but I was willing to try anything at that point.

I went to the sleep clinic and was observed overnight. They ran some tests and informed me that I had sleep apnea. Basically, my breathing was erratic and I was unable to get a good night’s rest. In order to help my breathing, I was prescribed a CPAP machine, which stabilized the oxygen flow to my body. I can’t say it was comfortable and it took a while to get used to, but it definitely helped. Before I knew it, I was experiencing energy levels that I hadn’t felt in years. My training was boosted exponentially and I began to see results. I felt rejuvenated and it gave me incentive to keep on going. I also began to implement some natural sleep aids such as Valerian, which relaxed me at night and helped my recovery from that day’s exercise regimen.

I am a living testament to the power of sleep. I’ve lost over 75 pounds and plan to keep going strong. I would have never guessed something as simple as a good night’s rest would have been the deciding factor in my long-term goal.

From Charlotte in Wisconsin

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Check out Fitlode’s Product Reviews for the best in high performance nutrition and natural sleep aids.

Not only is a good night’s sleep essential for optimal health and well-being, it is vital for losing weight.

Insomnia affects more than 64 million people in the US alone. Without enough sleep, we put our health at risk and can experience symptoms of depression, changes in brain chemistry, increases in cardiovascular disease and increased weight gain.

Whether you want to bulk up or lose weight, dietary supplements will help you reach your goals faster, safer and with better results. We review only superior market brands to ensure you’re getting the weight loss management and high performance nutrition advice you need. These brands are backed by scientific research and have shown proven results.

Nytrinol-XR

Nytrinol-XR’s two-stage, stress-reducing sleep formula offers a natural, non-addictive alternative to strong, addictive medications. With 100% natural, clinically proven active ingredients like Valerian Root, Melatonin, Chamomile and Passion Flower, Nytrinol-XR induces relaxation allowing the body to slip into a deep, restful sleep so you wake up feeling refreshed.

Kleissinger Laboratories
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MSRP: $32.99
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Somnatrol

Somnatrol’s unique ingredients help to relieve stress and induce sleep. Active ingredients such as Serotain (5-HTP) elevate the production of serotonin, providing the brain cells with a calming effect. As well, GABA, an important brain neurotransmitter, helps to promote muscle relaxation and relieve stress and the amino acid L-Theanine produces mental and physical relaxation. The combination of these ingredients promotes relaxation and provides stress relief.

Sterling-Grant Laboratories
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Renu Fit

RenuFit’s Super Grape flavour is satisfying and smooth and does not cause morning drowsiness, allowing you to awake refreshed. Without proper sleep, your body suffers and your cortisol levels rise which contributes to muscle breakdown and mental stress.

Muscle Fortress
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Tension RX

Tension RX is a stress reducer and mood enhancer designed to help ease tension and mental fatigue, and improves mental focus. Tension Rx also helps to improve sleep.

Biochem
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Sale: $26.98
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Tags: obesity, sleep apnea, Weight Loss

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