If you haven't come to terms with the fact the quality rest is a huge component in your fitness, you are really missing out.  Most of us are balancing family, work and fitness and often it is the rest component of our training regimens that is the first to be compromised.  We'll do most anything not to miss a workout including sleep less.  Somehow, we find the energy to climb back on the bike or lace up the trainers and then spend the rest of day in a fog with the misguided belief that another 5k run, 3k of which we can't remember, will make a difference when next we take the to the starting line.  I'm guilty - I love training.  Frankly, I'd rather get in a century than go to sleep some nights but the fact is that most of gains from hard training only come to light when our bodies get the rest and recuperation they need.

In an effort to make the most of the sleep I do get, I tried a product from my favorite supplement company HammerNutrition/e-Caps called REM Caps.  I've been so pleased with the effects of REM Caps that I (and my wife who isn't into endurance sports) have made them a part of my daily supplement regimen for the past year and a half.  As usual, I'll point you to the manufacturers site for complete info on REM Caps instead of reprinting it here and strongly suggest you give it a look.  The difference in the quality of my sleep is clear when using REM Caps.  I sleep more soundly and awaken easier in the morning, more rested than when I do not take them.  It is a subtle, but noticeable difference and I believe it translates into higher quality training and more efficient recovery.  As noted in the product information, the highest benefit comes from consistent use.  It has been my experience that REM Caps do have a fairly immediate impact but that the benefit is significantly better when I take them nightly as part of my supplementation routine.  The few times I've run out have only served to remind me of REM Caps subtle effectiveness.

My wife is a notoriously light sleeper who normally can not go back to sleep if awakened during the night (or at 4:05 a.m. when my alarm sounds).  REM Caps has increased her sleep quality and, she believes, gives her a decent chance of staying asleep and falling back to sleep during the night.

I am a believer in supplementation, I am firm in my commitment to follow manufactures directions and I always use the lowest dosage that will yield beneficial results.  In my opinion that is how one derives the highest benefit to cost ratio with nutrition and supplementation products.  e-Caps usage information for REM Caps suggests one to two capsules per night about an hour before bedtime. I have found that one capsule per night does the trick for me.  So, one bottle will last 60 days (actually 30 days for my wife and I to share) making it reasonably economical in my opinion for the benefit I feel REM Caps provides.

Mark